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IPL 2026: Bhuvneshwar Says RCB Could’ve Won by Taking Wickets, Not Defending Runs

Bhuvneshwar Kumar stated that RCB's best chance to beat Gujarat Titans was by taking wickets quickly, not by defending runs, after a four-wicket loss. He explained that bowling changes were made to maximize wicket-taking opportunities. Bhuvneshwar acknowledged that RCB's batting unit fell short of its usual high standards. He also noted that dew has made chasing easier this season and that he now prioritizes team goals over individual achievements.

Key Points: IPL 2026: RCB Could’ve Won by Taking Wickets, Says Bhuvneshwar

  • RCB lost to GT by 4 wickets in Ahmedabad
  • Bhuvneshwar says taking wickets key, not defending
  • RCB batting fell short of usual standards
  • Dew makes chasing easier this IPL season
  • Bhuvneshwar focuses on team goals, not Purple Cap
3 min read

IPL 2026: RCB could've won by taking wickets not by defending runs, says Bhuvneshwar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar says RCB's best chance to beat GT was taking wickets, not defending runs, after a 4-wicket loss in IPL 2026. He also discusses dew and team goals.

"We couldn't have won the match by defending runs. We could have won by taking wickets - Bhuvneshwar Kumar"

Ahmedabad, May 1

Senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar said Royal Challengers Bengaluru's best chance of beating Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 lay in taking wickets quickly rather than defending runs, as the defending champions lost by four wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

"If you look at the scenario, there was some help for seamers, and we had Romario (Shepherd), third seamer. So, we wanted to take a chance. Suyash (Sharma) is someone who is not easy to pick. We wanted to get wickets as quickly as possible.

"So, that's the reason he (Krunal Pandya) didn't bowl. We couldn't have won the match by defending runs. We could have won by taking wickets, and the bowlers who bowled were the best bowlers to get those wickets," said Bhuvneshwar at the conclusion of the game.

He also acknowledged the RCB famed batting unit fell short of its usual lofty standards. "Look it's a long tournament 14 matches. You cannot be perfect in each and every match in any department the way we have batted in the whole tournament it's been good we have scored 200 we have scored more than 200.

"I think it's about complementing each other yes we were not up to the mark with the bat it happens. I mean sometimes we give 200 runs but batsmen never complains they go and chase it out so it was our duty to try our best and then we did what we could," added Bhuvneshwar.

On conditions in the competition, Bhuvneshwar noted that chasing has been easier this season due to dew. "If you look at this IPL, chasing is a bit easier in any ground because the way wicket behaves and dew comes. So, yes, it could be different. But we didn't win the toss. We were asked to bat first. We tried our best in bowling. So now the result is that we lost and that's all."

Bhuvneshwar, who currently holds the Purple Cap, signed off by saying his focus is now on team goals rather than personal milestones. "It's good that I got the Purple Cap. But I think I have come out of that time where I want to achieve something individually. Of course, I want to achieve something, but now it's more of a team purpose. I'm not young anymore.

"Of course, when you're young, you want to win those awards, and it comes when you do well. But when you want to work towards the team's goal, and you get an individual award or reward, you feel good. But honestly, I'm just trying my best, getting confidence from the management and that's all I can say."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I appreciate Bhuvneshwar's honesty. He's a seasoned pro and knows the game. But the real problem is RCB's over-reliance on batting. When Kohli and Maxwell fail, the whole team crumbles. And for once, I'm glad he downplayed the Purple Cap - team goals matter more in the long run. 👏
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Vikram M
"We couldn't have won by defending runs" - exactly! But then why didn't they bowl Krunal? That's the confusing part. Also, chasing is easier in IPL because of dew, but RCB lost the toss and couldn't adapt. Classic case of poor game awareness from the management. 🏏
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Rohit P
Good points from Bhuvi, but I have to say - if batting was so strong, why didn't they post 200+? You can't blame the bowlers every time. Also, saying "we couldn't have won by defending runs" sounds like an excuse. Just my opinion, but I think they need better planning. 🧐
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Kavya N
Love how Bhuvi has matured! "I'm not young anymore" - that's so real. He's doing great with the Purple Cap but putting team first. That said, RCB's batting collapse is becoming a pattern. They must learn to post big totals or at least play according to conditions. All the best for next match! 💪
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Siddharth J
Respect for Bhuvi's clarity. He knows the game, no doubt. But here's a thought - if you can't defend 160, maybe the bowling isn't as good as

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