- Rajat Patidar says bowlers are struggling in high scoring IPL 2026 matches
- RCB will continue attacking despite batting friendly conditions
- Gujarat Titans and RCB meet in a high pressure Qualifier 1 clash
Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar believes IPL 2026 has become one of the toughest seasons ever for bowlers with massive scores now turning into the norm rather than the exception.
Ahead of RCB’s Qualifier 1 showdown against Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala, Patidar admitted that even totals above 220 are no longer enough to guarantee victory in modern T20 cricket.
Despite the challenges, the RCB skipper insisted his side will continue to attack with the ball as they chase a place in the IPL final.
Patidar says bowlers are under pressure in IPL 2026
Patidar pointed to flat batting tracks, short boundaries and evening dew as major reasons behind the surge in high scoring matches this season.
“I feel it is more challenging for the bowlers. The wickets are batting friendly, boundaries are smaller and there is dew as well,” Patidar said during the pre match media interaction.
The RCB captain admitted that pacers are paying heavily for even the smallest errors.
“Especially for fast bowlers, even a small mistake goes for six,” he added.
Patidar also made it clear that players must adapt to conditions instead of complaining about them.
“But whatever wicket or conditions we get, we just try to do our best on that. It is not in my hands to decide how the wickets should be,” he said.
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RCB captain issues warning over IPL run scoring explosion
The growing trend of 200 plus scores has transformed the tactical landscape of the tournament with bowlers increasingly forced into survival mode.
Patidar acknowledged that totals once considered match winning are now regularly being chased down.
Still, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain insisted his side will stick to its aggressive identity heading into the knockout clash.
“Our strength is bowling. The way we bowl in the Powerplay will be very crucial and everyone in the team knows that we are not here to defend, we are here with the mindset of attacking,” Patidar said.
He stressed that early wickets would remain central to RCB’s plans against Gujarat Titans.
“We will look for early wickets and that is what we have done so far. Doing the same thing again and again will make the difference,” he added.
Patidar avoids controversy over IPL final venue
Patidar also chose not to engage in the debate surrounding the IPL final being moved from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad by the BCCI.
“It is not in my control. This is a historic site, so wherever the final is going to be, that is where it is going to be. We are focused on reaching the final,” he said.
The Qualifier 1 clash pits two evenly matched sides against each other after both teams finished the league phase level on points.
Patidar believes calmness under pressure could ultimately decide which side secures a direct entry into the final.
“Both teams have done pretty well throughout the season. On the given day, whichever team executes its plans better and stays calm under pressure, is going to win,” he said.
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Gujarat Titans back bowling strength before Qualifier 1
Gujarat Titans assistant coach Vijay Dahiya also described the upcoming contest as a battle between two balanced teams with strong bowling attacks.
“We have met twice this season and it is 1-1. Both teams are equally matched with big players on both sides,” Dahiya said.
The former India wicketkeeper highlighted bowling consistency as the defining factor in a tournament dominated by batting fireworks.
“At the end of the day, you need a solid bowling unit. What stands out for both teams is the consistency of their bowling attacks,” he added.
Dahiya also praised Gujarat Titans pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj and credited coach Ashish Nehra for building strong chemistry within the bowling group.
With Dharamsala expected to favour aggressive strokeplay once again, another run fest could be on the cards when Gujarat Titans and RCB collide for a place in the IPL 2026 final.
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