‘Exceptional’ Rasikh and ‘unbelievable package’ Krunal – RCB’s champion support acts key to title win

The Unsung Heroes of RCB’s Historic 2026 Campaign

While the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) boast marquee names like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood leading their pace battery, the franchise’s 2026 IPL title win was built on the quiet, consistent brilliance of two vital cogs: Rasikh Salam and Krunal Pandya. Operating away from the intense media glare, these two players provided the depth and tactical flexibility required to navigate the grueling tournament and ultimately lift the trophy.

Rasikh Salam: The Mastery of Variations

Rasikh Salam finished the tournament with an impressive tally of 19 wickets—outperforming even Josh Hazlewood by four scalps. While his economy rate of 9.45 might look high in isolation, his impact during crucial middle-over phases was undeniable. In the final against the Gujarat Titans, Salam’s contribution was pivotal; he dismissed Nishant Sindhu on the final ball of his second over, effectively stifling a potential GT recovery. He concluded his spell with figures of 3 for 27, having briefly been on a hat-trick.

Former cricketer Varun Aaron praised Salam’s understated efficacy, noting that he provided the necessary stability as a third seamer. His ability to operate defensively in a way that remains essentially offensive is a hallmark of the modern T20 game. Salam’s repertoire includes a deceptive yorker, a high-quality slower ball, a knuckleball, and a back-of-the-hand delivery. This versatility allowed him to execute his plans perfectly throughout the 12 matches he played.

Tom Moody, observing the season, highlighted that Salam thrived by being the beneficiary of the pressure created by spearheads like Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood. Being able to come on when the game is already open allowed Salam to utilize his changes of pace to perfection, making him the ideal foil for the team’s primary strike bowlers.

Krunal Pandya: The ‘Unbelievable Package’

If Salam was the reliable pace option, Krunal Pandya was the ultimate utility player. Securing his fifth IPL trophy, Krunal’s contribution extended far beyond his 14 wickets at an economy of 8.41. With the bat, he amassed 226 runs at a strike rate of 145.80 and an average of 37.66. His experience from 158 IPL matches proved to be a decisive factor in high-pressure situations.

“You’re looking for packages like him,” said Tom Moody. “Not just a bowler, he’s a top-six batter as well. He’s a batter that plays well under pressure. He has got a bank of experience. So he’s an unbelievable package.”

Krunal’s mental sharpness was a recurring theme in expert analysis. Aaron emphasized that Krunal’s ability to read the game—knowing exactly which delivery to bowl to specific batters—set him apart. His batting was equally calculated; by shuffling across his stumps when bowlers attacked him from around the wicket, Krunal remained a difficult target to contain. In an era where finger-spinners are often targeted by aggressive batting lineups, Krunal managed to innovate and adapt, proving that tactical intelligence is just as valuable as raw power.

The Strategy Behind the Success

The success of the 2026 RCB squad can be attributed to the team management’s ability to identify players who fit specific, crucial roles. By ensuring that the defensive overs were handled by someone as skillful as Salam and that the all-rounder role was filled by a veteran like Krunal, RCB created a balanced unit that could withstand pressure from any opponent. This duo perfectly embodied the team’s philosophy: clinical execution and adaptability.

As the dust settles on the 2026 season, the focus may linger on the star power of the squad, but the internal consensus remains clear. The championship was not just won by the headline-grabbers, but by the strategic brilliance and consistent output of support players who rose to the occasion when it mattered most.