RCB delivered a complete all-round performance at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, posting a record-breaking 254\/5 before bowling Gujarat Titans out for 162 in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kumble said scoring such a massive total in a playoff match highlighted the confidence and character within the RCB camp.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAfter losing the toss, RCB put their best foot forward by posting a mammoth 254 on the board. Scoring that many runs is difficult in any game, but to do it in a playoff shows real character. The pitch was good for batting, but the batters still had to go out and execute, and they did that brilliantly,\u201d Kumble told Jio Hotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
RCB captain Rajat Patidar led the charge with an unbeaten 93 off just 39 balls, while Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal also made important contributions at the top.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kumble felt the momentum had completely shifted in RCB\u2019s favour once the bowlers prevented Gujarat Titans from settling early in the chase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen RCB came out to bowl, they didn\u2019t allow GT\u2019s openers to settle. They bowled disciplined lines, kept pressure from both ends, and got the early breakthrough through Sai Sudharsan\u2019s unfortunate dismissal. That wicket opened the door, and after that the bowlers completely controlled the game,\u201d Kumble explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jacob Duffy starred with three wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Krunal Pandya picked up two wickets each as Gujarat collapsed to 51\/5 inside the powerplay.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kumble described the performance as one of RCB's most complete displays this season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt was a clinical performance from start to finish. Batting, bowling, and fielding, everything clicked for RCB on the night. They didn\u2019t just win the game; they made a statement. That is exactly the kind of performance you need in a knockout match,\u201d He said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former India spinner also reserved special praise for captain Rajat Patidar, saying big-match performances like this help leaders earn the trust and respect of the dressing room.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cA player earns the respect of his teammates when he performs in a big game, and Rajat Patidar has done exactly that,\u201d Kumble said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis first qualifier was massive because winning it gives you direct entry into the final, along with a few extra days to recover mentally and physically. That is a huge advantage,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kumble further pointed out that RCB\u2019s success has come from collective contributions rather than dependence on a few star players.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhat stands out about RCB is that different players step up in different games. Every match, somebody new becomes the Man of the Match. That\u2019s exactly what happened when they won the title last season,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kumble further pointed out that RCB\u2019s success has come from collective contributions rather than dependence on a few star players.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, with this win, RCB have qualified for the IPL 2026 Final to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n