RCB's Battling Spirit Shines Despite Loss to Gujarat Titans

In a challenging match against the Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru displayed commendable spirit despite suffering a defeat. Batting coach Dinesh Karthik praised the team's bowling efforts that unsettled the Titans' middle order. Head Coach Andy Flower and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat reflected on the batting struggles, emphasizing the need for improvement. Kohli's explosive start was a highlight, but the team struggled to build partnerships. The bowling unit, particularly Romario Shephard, received accolades for their performance. As RCB prepares for their next match, they remain focused on bouncing back stronger.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 1, 2026, 14:43 IST

RCB's Performance Against Gujarat Titans

After their defeat against the Gujarat Titans (GT), Dinesh Karthik, the batting coach and mentor for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), commended the team's spirit and effective bowling, which unsettled the Titans' middle-order during the crucial middle overs.

The defending champions showcased determination but ultimately fell short at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, marking their third defeat of the season. RCB managed to score 155 runs, and their bowlers kept the match competitive, applying pressure on GT throughout the middle overs. However, by the 16th over, GT successfully chased down the target with five wickets remaining.

Management's Reflections on the Match

In a post-match statement, Head Coach Andy Flower expressed disappointment, stating, "We did not achieve the result we aimed for, and we were not at our best with the bat." Mo Bobat, the Director of Cricket, shared similar sentiments, noting, "This result is disappointing, and we did not perform as expected. Winning games with scores like that is challenging, and the batting group is aware of their potential to improve."

Karthik Highlights Key Moments

Karthik praised Virat Kohli's explosive start, scoring 28 runs off just 13 balls, including five consecutive fours against Kagiso Rabada. However, he pointed out the team's struggle to form partnerships, stating, "Virat began brilliantly, but we lost wickets in clusters. Each time we had a chance to build momentum, we lost a wicket, which ultimately affected us."

Positives from the Fielding Efforts

Despite the loss, RCB found positives in their fielding performance. Flower remarked, "I appreciated how the players approached their fielding duties." Karthik added, "The attitude and bowling were commendable. We created pressure on the Titans, and if a few things had gone our way, the outcome might have been different. I am proud of the effort and attitude displayed by the team."

Bowling Unit's Contribution

Bobat acknowledged the bowling unit's efforts, particularly highlighting Romario Shephard, who took two wickets. He stated, "It was encouraging to see the bowlers perform well again. We made the Titans fight for their runs, which is crucial in such matches." Looking ahead, Bobat noted, "While we won't win every game, it's essential to fight hard in those we lose, and I believe we did that today. We'll take a few days to regroup and focus on our next match."

Match Summary

In the match, GT chose to bowl first. Kohli's quick 28 runs set a positive tone for RCB, but they struggled to maintain momentum due to effective bowling from Arshad Khan (3/22), Rashid Khan (2/19), and Jason Holder (2/29). Devdutt Padikkal was the top scorer for RCB with 40 runs off 24 balls, leading to a total of 155 runs in 19.2 overs.

During the chase, GT's captain Shubman Gill (43 off 18 balls) and Jos Buttler (39 off 19 balls) provided a strong start. Despite losing their top three batters at 92 runs, Rahul Tewatia's steady 27* off 17 balls helped GT secure their fifth win of the season, placing them fifth in the standings. Meanwhile, RCB remains in second place, having faced three losses in nine matches.