Royal Challengers Bengaluru mentor Dinesh Karthikpraised the team’s outstanding body language and fearless attitude after RCB stormed into their second consecutive IPL final with a commanding 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. RCB delivered a dominant all-round performance at the HPCA Stadium, posting a record-breaking 254/5, the highest total in IPL playoff history, before bowling Gujarat Titans out for 162.
Karthik credited the side’s aggressive mindset and champion mentality for
the emphatic triumph, highlighting how the players maintained intensity throughout the contest. During the post-match team talk, Devdutt Padikkal also addressed the squad and praised several key performers while urging everyone to remain focused ahead of the IPL 2026 final. However, the speech took a hilarious turn when Padikkal accidentally forgot to mention Krunal Pandya while acknowledging the top contributors.
As Padikkal wrapped up his comments, Krunal interrupted with a smile and said, “Mera naam bhool gaya bhai” (you forgot my name, brother), leaving the dressing room in laughter. Karthik quickly joined in the fun and responded, “Krunal, good job,” before continuing with a few more encouraging words for the team.
"This was a clinical effort, a professional effort. A one-versus-two playoff game is always a big game, but we played like champions, and I think we can make it happen that day,” said Karthik in the video released by RCB.
“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. In big games, sometimes teams take the back foot under pressure. But we made sure we kept pushing forward,” he added.
𝗥𝗖𝗕 𝘃 𝗚𝗧: 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝗻
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, 2026
Karthik also credited Virat Kohli for setting the tone ahead of the match with his strong emphasis on body language, intensity, and aggressive intent. RCB dismantled GT early in the chase, reducing them to 51/5 within the first six overs and effectively putting the game beyond reach. Although Rahul Tewatia produced a fighting knock of 68 runs, Gujarat Titans never truly recovered from the early collapse.
“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,” said Karthik.
