IPL 2026: ‘We are here to attack, not defend’ Patidar ahead of qualifier against GT

RCB pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. PIC/IPL

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's pursuit of back-to-back IPL titles will run into the season's most disciplined bowling attack when they face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 here on Tuesday, with a direct place in the final at stake.

Both teams ended the league stage on 18 points, but RCB claimed the top spot due to superior NRR. RCB, under skipper Rajat Patidar, built their campaign around aggressive batting and a far more reliable bowling unit.

The defending champions repeatedly crossed 200 this season and benefited immensely from the experience of Virat Kohli and the pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar with the ball. GT, meanwhile, have surged into the Playoffs on the back of a formidable bowling attack and a top order that rarely allowed pressure to build.

Pacer Kagiso Rabada during GT's practice session in Dharamsala on Monday. PIC/PTI

GT's bowling that has stood out in the second half of the season. The pace trio of Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Prasidh Krishna has consistently struck with the new ball. Patidar asserted that RCB would continue with their aggressive approach despite the high-scoring nature of the tournament.

"Our strength is bowling. The way we bowl in the Powerplay will be very crucial and everyone in the team knows that we are not here to defend, we are here with the mindset of attacking," he said. "We will look for early wickets and that's what we have done so far," he added.

Rajat Patidar and Vijay Dahiya

GT assistant coach Vijay Dahiya emphasised the importance of bowling consistency in a season dominated by high scores. "At the end of the day, you need a solid bowling unit. What stands out for both teams is the consistency of their bowling attacks and the belief shown by captains and management in those bowlers," he said.

20
No of wickets claimed in the Powerplay by RCB pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood combined

30
No of wickets claimed by GT in Powerplay - the most by any team this season

460
No. of runs scored by Virat Kohli against GT - his second-most against any team after Punjab Kings (476) since 2022

Four
No. of 200-plus totals conceded by GT this season - the joint-fewest alongside KKR and CSK

Zero
No of matches GT have played in Dharamsala, compared to three by RCB

24
No of wickets claimed by RCB pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and GT's Kagiso Rabada - the joint-most this season

Did you know?

At least one finalist from each of the last four editions (2022 to 2025) is part of the ongoing IPL Playoffs