RCB's Rajat Patidar Confident in Bowling Attack Ahead of IPL 2026 Final

As the IPL 2026 final approaches, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's captain Rajat Patidar expresses confidence in his team's bowling unit, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He emphasizes the importance of a strong bowling attack for success in the tournament, especially against the Gujarat Titans. Patidar praises the contributions of Rasik and discusses the fitness status of Phil Salt. With RCB enjoying a break before the final, he reflects on the advantages and challenges ahead. Read on to discover more about RCB's strategy and preparations for the championship clash.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 30, 2026, 21:23 IST

Patidar's Trust in Bowling Unit

On Saturday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's captain Rajat Patidar expressed his confidence in the team's strong bowling lineup, spearheaded by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, as they aim for their second consecutive IPL championship.

The RCB is set to face the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final on Sunday.

Patidar emphasized the necessity of a formidable bowling attack to secure victory in the tournament. He noted, "To win the competition, a solid bowling unit is essential. Taking wickets is crucial, especially on this pitch where scoring 200-220 runs is relatively easy. However, defending such totals poses a greater challenge, which is why a strong bowling side is vital."

Praise for Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The captain commended senior bowler Bhuvneshwar for his leadership within the RCB bowling squad, highlighting his impressive tally of 26 wickets in 15 matches.

"He has bowled exceptionally well. His experience is invaluable, especially in this high-stakes competition. His strategies and planning are clear, which significantly contributes to our success," Patidar remarked. He also acknowledged the need for reliable support for the new ball duo of Bhuvneshwar and Josh Hazlewood.

Importance of Team Effort

"When you have top bowlers like Bhuvi and Hazlewood, it's crucial to have backup from other bowlers. Rasik's contributions have been vital, providing key breakthroughs. You can't rely solely on one or two bowlers to win the tournament," he added, noting Rasik's impressive record of 16 wickets in 11 matches, which has ensured that the early successes of Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood are not wasted.

"Rasik's performance throughout the tournament has been outstanding, relieving pressure from the primary bowlers. It's a collective team effort," he concluded.

Phil Salt's Fitness Update

Regarding Phil Salt's recovery from a finger injury sustained last month, Patidar mentioned, "He is currently at the nets, engaging in drills and batting practice. We haven't made a final decision yet; it will depend on the doctor's assessment and the management's input."

RCB's Advantage Before the Final

After defeating the Gujarat Titans on May 26, RCB secured a direct spot in the final, enjoying a four-day break before the championship match on May 31. In contrast, the Titans faced a tighter schedule, having to navigate a longer path to the final.

Commenting on the advantage of having a few days off after Qualifier 1, Patidar stated, "Yes, we had ample time to rest and recover after Qualifier 1. Meanwhile, GT is coming off a more demanding schedule after Qualifier 2. While this may provide some advantage, both teams are strong and have played excellent cricket."