Bengaluru: Former India pacer and JioStar expert Vinay Kumar believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru have emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the Indian Premier League title this season, praising the team’s balance and bowling strength ahead of the playoffs.
RCB, along with Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals, have secured playoff spots as all four franchises chase their second IPL crown.
“RCB Look Like a Complete Team”
Vinay Kumar said RCB’s biggest improvement this season has been their ability to perform collectively rather than depending solely on their batting lineup.
“RCB have played outstanding cricket this season and now look like a complete side,” he said.
He highlighted the impact of middle-order players such as Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, and Rajat Patidar for bringing stability and power in crucial phases of the innings.
However, according to Vinay Kumar, the real transformation has come through the bowling unit led by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
He noted that the disciplined bowling approach, particularly at the batting-friendly M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, has made a huge difference for the Bengaluru franchise.
“Krunal Pandya’s inclusion has also added balance to the side. If RCB continue playing this way and finish in the top two, they have a strong chance of reaching and even winning the final this year,” he added.
Advice for Bowlers Against Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Vinay Kumar also praised rising batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, describing him as a fearless and immensely talented young player.
At the same time, he advised bowlers to remain disciplined and stick to basic plans while facing aggressive batters like Suryavanshi.
“Bowling wider lines, cramping him for room, and using variations can help. Whenever bowlers get an opportunity against him, they need to capitalise and trust their strengths,” he said.
Bhuvneshwar’s Leadership Key for RCB
Speaking about Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s role, Vinay Kumar said the experienced pacer has been central to RCB’s bowling success this season.
He credited Bhuvneshwar for maintaining disciplined lines and lengths alongside Hazlewood and Rasikh Salam, adding that the attack has approached games with a calm, methodical mindset.
“With his experience, I don’t think Bhuvneshwar or the bowling unit will take unnecessary pressure during the playoffs,” he said.
Importance of Finishing in the Top Two
Vinay Kumar stressed that securing a top-two finish in the IPL standings can prove decisive because it gives teams an extra opportunity to qualify for the final.
“In a format like T20 cricket, momentum is everything,” he explained.
He also revealed his preferred strategy for handling a long tournament, saying teams should mentally divide the 14-match league phase into two separate seven-game segments to maintain focus and urgency throughout the season.
According to him, RCB have succeeded because they have approached every game with the same level of intensity and consistency.
