‘Exceptional’ Rasikh and ‘unbelievable package’ Krunal – RCB’s champion support acts were the difference makers
The Unsung Heroes of RCB’s Triumph
In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League, the spotlight usually remains fixed on the heavy hitters and the new-ball spearheads. For the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2026, the narrative was slightly different. While legends like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood provided the initial fire, the quiet, consistent brilliance of Rasikh Salam and Krunal Pandya proved to be the bedrock of the team’s championship campaign. Often operating away from the glare of prime-time media, these two individuals provided the stability and tactical acumen necessary to secure the trophy.
Rasikh Salam: The Quiet Enforcer
Rasikh Salam finished the 2026 season with an impressive tally of 19 wickets, outperforming even the seasoned Josh Hazlewood. His economy rate of 9.45, while seemingly high in a vacuum, needs to be understood in the context of his role as a middle-overs enforcer. In the final against the Gujarat Titans, Salam’s impact was undeniable. He claimed 3 for 27, effectively stifling any potential recovery from the opposition.
Former cricketers have been quick to praise his utility. Varun Aaron noted that Salam provided the vital stability of a third seamer, picking up wickets at crucial junctures. Throughout the season, Salam featured in 12 of RCB’s 16 matches, consistently coming on as a first or second change. His ability to bowl a variety of slower balls, knuckleballs, and back-of-the-hand deliveries turned what was theoretically a defensive role into an offensive weapon.
Tactical Mastery and Pace Variations
Tom Moody, observing the tournament, highlighted that Salam thrived by bowling after the game had already been opened up by the frontline pace duo. He stated that Salam is a perfect foil for the spearheads, possessing the ability to execute changes of pace with precision. By the time Salam arrived at the crease, the pressure was already mounting on the batters, and his knack for picking up wickets consistently made him a reliable asset for the captain.
Krunal Pandya: An Unbelievable Package
If Rasikh Salam was the quiet enforcer, Krunal Pandya was the ultimate utility player. With 14 wickets and 226 runs at an average of 37.66 and a strike rate of 145.80, Krunal proved why he is considered an ‘unbelievable package’. His experience, spanning 158 IPL matches, was a decisive factor in managing high-pressure situations during the final stretch of the tournament.
Moody emphasized that finding players who can contribute significantly in the top six while also providing overs is a rarity. Krunal’s game awareness—knowing exactly which delivery to bowl to which batter—made him mentally superior to many of his contemporaries. His batting approach, particularly his tactical movement around the crease to counter bowlers attacking his body, showcased a level of game intelligence that is essential for modern T20 cricket.
The Winning Formula
The success of the 2026 campaign was not merely about individual excellence; it was about role clarity. Aaron pointed out that Krunal’s ability to adapt his game—whether by using bouncers or shuffling across the crease to disrupt a bowler’s rhythm—gave RCB a distinct advantage over teams that relied on more one-dimensional players. This flexibility allowed RCB to counter teams that were specifically targeting finger-spinners, turning a potential weakness into a tactical strength.
As RCB celebrates their back-to-back titles, the contributions of Salam and Pandya serve as a masterclass in how to build a championship roster. By identifying players who thrive in specific, high-leverage roles, RCB managed to create a balanced unit capable of winning from any position. The contributions of these two players remind us that cricket is as much about the supporting cast as it is about the superstars, and in the case of the 2026 RCB squad, that support was nothing short of championship quality.
