RCB Focus on LSG Challenge, Says Rangarajan Ahead of IPL 2026 Clash

Royal Challengers Bengaluru assistant coach Malolan Rangarajan emphasized the team's focus on the upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants, not the playoffs race. He stated that discussions center on improving as a unit and capitalizing on tournament trends. Rangarajan backed Jitesh Sharma's experience and proactive approach for the team. The team plans to adapt to Lucknow conditions without major changes to their combination.

Key Points: RCB's Rangarajan: Focus on LSG, Not Playoffs

  • RCB faces LSG on Thursday in Lucknow
  • Rangarajan says focus is on immediate game, not points table
  • Backs Jitesh Sharma's experience and proactive mindset
  • Team plans to adapt to conditions without major combination changes
2 min read

IPL 2026: 'Not looking too far ahead,' says Rangarajan as RCB face LSG challenge

RCB assistant coach Malolan Rangarajan says the team is focused on the upcoming LSG match, not the points table, as IPL 2026 playoffs race heats up.

"We can't be distracted by what's happening with other teams. We can only focus on what we want to do. - Malolan Rangarajan"

Lucknow, May 6

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are all set to take on Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, with the side staying firmly focused on the immediate task at hand as the race for the playoffs intensifies.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, assistant coach, RCB, Malolan Rangarajan stressed that the group's attention remains solely on the clash against LSG and not on the Points Table.

"We can all see how the table is panning out, but we can't be distracted by what's happening with other teams. We can only focus on what we want to do, and the task we have on our hands as of now is the game against LSG tomorrow," he said.

Malolan reiterated that discussions within the camp have revolved around improving as a unit rather than looking too far ahead. "We're always looking as a unit at how we can improve and the trends in the tournament, how we can capitalise on those things. Our focus is now on this next game," he added.

On conditions in Lucknow and whether the surface could prompt changes in combination, Malolan said, "We don't fiddle too much with our combinations. We have Krunal Pandya, who's been doing very well for us; Suyash Sharma is another option, and then we have four pacers. We're happy with the way our squad is right now, and we'll try to adapt to what we see tomorrow," he said.

Malolan also backed Jitesh Sharma, highlighting the batter's experience and proactive mindset. "Jitesh is a very sorted individual. He knows it's not by chance that he's played for the country and been part of IPL squads for so long. He played an integral part for us last year as well," Malolan said.

"The messaging to Jitesh is that he's very aware of what he can do to help the team in any situation he goes into. That's all he's been focusing on, and that's what we've been trying to provide for him in training sessions, understanding the situations he's likely to go in and how he can impact the game for us," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Rangarajan is a class act — love how he's backing Jitesh Sharma. Not many coaches would publicly support a player going through a rough patch. Hope the Ekana pitch doesn't turn into a rank turner and spoil the game for fans. 🏏
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Vikram M
Good to see RCB not overthinking combinations. Krunal Pandya's experience plus Suyash Sharma's mystery spin — that's a solid spin attack for Lucknow conditions. But please, no more batting collapses in the middle overs!
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Ananya R
Honestly, RCB needs to stop saying "focus on the process" and actually win some matches. For a franchise with so much talent, they're always in "rebuilding" mode. That said, I respect Rangarajan for not making excuses about the pitch or table. Just go out there and perform!
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James A
As a neutral fan, I love how the IPL keeps producing interesting storylines. RCB vs LSG is always a spicy fixture. Hope the Lucknow crowd shows up in numbers tonight — Ekana deserves more love from franchise cricket fans!

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