After Krunal Pandya played a crucial hand behind RCB's triumph in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, the Royal Challengers coach Dinesh Karthik and star batter Devdutt Padikkal almost forgot to mention his name as they credited the RCB stars for a standout performance.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru not only broke a massive record in the history of the IPL playoffs but also qualified to be one of the teams to have qualified for the second consecutive IPL final. They are now in contention for their second title in two years.
The Gujarat Titans will now have to play the qualifier 2 against the winner of the eliminator. The team winning that match will clash against the Royal Challengers in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
RCB posted a record-breaking 254/5, the highest total in IPL playoff history, before bowling Gujarat Titans out for 162 to secure a comfortable win. "This was a clinical effort, a professional effort," Karthik told the players after the match.
The RCB mentor and batting coach went on to praise the RCB batters for having provided a splendid start and then helped them to maintain the tempo throughout the innings.
“The intent from the boys right from the start was outstanding. It started with Venky, Virat, and Dev. As a collective, we maintained the tempo throughout,” he said. “In big games, sometimes teams take the back foot under pressure. But we made sure we kept pushing forward,” he added.
He also went on to praise Rajat Patidar, the young skipper, for his stupendous knock of 93 off just 33 balls. Patidar led from the front with a captain's knock that helped his team to their second final with the Challengers.
"Rajat's innings was incredible. He led from the front in a pressure game and completely took the bowlers apart,” said Karthik.
Krunal Pandya intervenes Devdutt Padikkal's dressing room speech; DK retaliates
Not only did Rajat Patidar or Virat Kohli play a fine innings, but Krunal Pandya's role was important in the tremendous success attained by the defending champions, the Royal Challengers. Krunal Pandya made another crucial contribution with the bat and then picked up two wickets with the ball as well.
??? ? ??: ???????? ???? ????? ????? ? ?????????? ???Rajat’s brilliance, Bhuvi’s consistency, the team recognising every little contribution, and staying focused with eyes on the bigger prize - here we are bringing you all the behind… pic.twitter.com/6YvdJqddn8
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 27, 2026When Devdutt Padikkal said that the team needs to stay focused in the IPL as well and was about to conclude his speech, Krunal Pandya intervened and said, "Mera naam bhool gaya bhai (you forgot my name)." Karthik then responded, saying, "Krunal, good job, before adding a few more words to his speech."
"Well done, Krunal. Good effort on the bat," Karthik said again, leaving the entire room laughing out loud, including the veteran star Virat Kohli.
Dinesh Karthik shows belief on RCB players to win consecutive IPL titles
Dinesh Karthik went on to thank Virat Kohli for the aggressive body language within the team. He praised the team for the positivity and the way it helped to secure the game very much within the power play.
“Virat spoke before the game about making sure our body language stayed strong, and I think it was as good as it has been in the last several weeks. We had the attitude to get them out, and honestly, we almost sealed the game in the power play itself.”
Dinesh Karthik also showed great belief in RCB's abilities to continue this form in the finals and seal the title for the second consecutive time in 2026 after their maiden triumph in 2025.
Karthik added, "In four days' time, we have a big game, and I'm sure all of you will be up for it. But let's make sure we have a lot of fun in the next couple of days. And when we hit the road, when we reach Ahmedabad, we'll focus. But for now, very well done, boys.
"This is a clinical effort, professional. And I think a 1 vs 2 in a playoff is always a big game. But we played like champions. And I think we can make it happen. On the day, 31st May, let's look forward to it. And play the same brand of cricket."
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