‘Exceptional’ Rasikh and ‘unbelievable package’ Krunal – RCB’s champion support for IPL 2026
The Unsung Heroes of the RCB Triumph
In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League, the focus often remains firmly on the big-name opening bowlers and the explosive top-order batters. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) march to the IPL 2026 title was built on a foundation of shrewd tactical recruitment and the consistent execution of secondary roles. While stars like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood provided the initial threat, it was the middle-overs mastery of Rasikh Salam and the versatile brilliance of Krunal Pandya that ultimately secured the trophy.
Rasikh Salam: The Quiet Force
Rasikh Salam finished the 2026 season with an impressive haul of 19 wickets—surpassing even the experienced Josh Hazlewood. Operating with an economy rate of 9.45, Salam became the reliable third seamer that every championship side craves. His performance in the final against Gujarat Titans was a masterclass in controlled aggression, where he claimed 3 for 27, including a pivotal breakthrough that halted the Titans’ momentum.
Analysing his impact, cricket experts noted that Salam’s strength lay in his variation. In a game where being defensive is increasingly seen as an offensive strategy, Salam excelled by utilizing yorkers, knuckleballs, and back-of-the-hand deliveries. His ability to come into the attack after the new-ball specialists had done their work allowed him to dictate terms to middle-order batters who were trying to accelerate.
The Perfect Tactical Foil
Tom Moody, reflecting on the season, suggested that Salam was the ideal beneficiary of the pressure created by his bowling partners. By entering the game when the contest was already wide open, he was able to apply the finishing touches with his exceptional pace changes. His consistency provided stability to the RCB attack, ensuring that the pressure never eased on the opposition throughout the middle overs of the innings.
Krunal Pandya: An Unbelievable Package
If Salam provided the sting in the bowling, Krunal Pandya provided the heartbeat of the team’s all-round functionality. Finishing his campaign with 14 wickets and 226 crucial runs, Krunal proved why he remains one of the most sought-after assets in the league. His contribution to RCB’s back-to-back title wins, following his previous successes with the Mumbai Indians, highlights his status as a big-match player.
Krunal’s value extends beyond mere statistics. His experience of 158 IPL matches allows him to navigate pressure situations with remarkable composure. Experts have praised him as an ‘unbelievable package’—a top-six batter who can anchor an innings and a bowler who intuitively knows how to set up batters. Whether it is shuffling across the crease to disrupt a bowler’s line or executing a perfectly timed bouncer, Krunal remains one of the most astute cricketing minds currently playing in the IPL.
Strategic Depth
The success of the 2026 RCB squad serves as a blueprint for modern T20 team building. The reliance on players who can perform multiple roles—like Krunal’s batting and bowling, or Salam’s tactical versatility—demonstrates that depth is more valuable than reliance on a single superstar. As the league evolves, the ability of these two players to perform under pressure without needing the spotlight highlights why they were the ultimate champion support for the Bengaluru franchise.
Ultimately, championships are rarely won by the individual efforts of one or two stars alone. It is the collective grit and the ability of players like Rasikh Salam and Krunal Pandya to step up during the decisive moments that define a winning season. RCB’s tactical trust in these two individuals paid dividends, cementing their legacy as one of the most balanced and resilient units in recent IPL history.
