Former India opener Virender Sehwag believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may have lost the battle against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), but still emerged as the bigger winners ahead of the IPL 2026 playoffs. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Sehwag explained that RCB’s ability to cross the 200-run mark in a daunting chase of 256 helped them secure the No. 1 spot on the points table, which could prove crucial in the knockout stage.
According to Sehwag, finishing at the top gives RCB a massive advantage because the playoff format offers two opportunities to reach the final. He pointed out that even if the team suffers an off day in Qualifier 1, they would still remain alive in the competition.
Chasing 256 in Hyderabad, RCB eventually finished on 200/4. Sehwag felt the Bengaluru batters quickly realised that chasing the target outright was unrealistic, especially given the required run rate and its impact on net run rate.
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Addressing Virat Kohli’s innings, Virender Sehwag said the senior batter approached the chase with maturity rather than desperation. “Virat Kohli would definitely be disappointed with the loss, but the approach made sense,” Sehwag said.
“If RCB had gone too hard from the beginning and lost early wickets, they could have been bowled out for 160 or 170. That would have hurt their position badly,” he added.
Sehwag praised RCB for showing awareness under pressure and described it as a scenario where “sometimes, even in defeat, you end up winning.” The former India opener also backed RCB as one of the strongest contenders for the IPL 2026 title. He highlighted how the team has looked balanced throughout the season, with both the batting and bowling departments delivering consistently.
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Beyond the defeat, RCB also found a major positive in Venkatesh Iyer. With Phil Salt still recovering from injury and Jacob Bethell struggling for consistency, Iyer grabbed his opportunity in the top order with a blistering 44 off 19 balls. The aggressive left-hander gave RCB early momentum alongside Kohli and may now have strengthened his case for a place in the playing XI during the playoffs.
