‘Exceptional’ Rasikh and ‘unbelievable package’ Krunal – RCB’s champion support acts were the difference makers
The Unsung Heroes of RCB’s 2026 Campaign
While the headlines often focus on the spearheads of a bowling attack, the true measure of a championship side lies in the contribution of its support cast. For the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2026 Indian Premier League, the spotlight may have been on stalwarts like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, but it was the gritty, intelligent performances of Rasikh Salam and Krunal Pandya that ultimately secured the trophy.
Rasikh Salam: The Quiet Enforcer
Rasikh Salam finished the season with 19 wickets, an impressive haul that actually eclipsed the tally of strike bowler Josh Hazlewood. Operating with an economy rate of 9.45, Salam was the quintessential middle-overs specialist. In the final against the Gujarat Titans, he showcased his immense value by removing Nishant Sindhu at a critical juncture, finishing with stellar figures of 3 for 27.
Reflecting on his performance, cricket experts noted that Salam provided the stability RCB desperately needed in their third seamer role. Throughout the season, he was often introduced as the first or second change, tasked with maintaining pressure after the new ball had done its work. His arsenal of variations—including a lethal yorker, subtle slower balls, the knuckleball, and back-of-the-hand deliveries—made him a nightmare for set batters.
As cricket analyst Varun Aaron noted, Salam’s ability to take wickets while remaining economical in high-pressure games is a rare trait. “He has done his job throughout the season in a very quiet fashion,” Aaron observed. “He has given them that stability of that third seamer. He has picked up wickets, which is most important in today’s game.” By being both defensive and offensive simultaneously, Salam redefined the role of a support bowler in the modern T20 era.
Krunal Pandya: The Ultimate All-Rounder
If Salam was the calm stabilizer, Krunal Pandya was the dynamic heartbeat of the RCB squad. Winning his fifth IPL title, Krunal proved why he is considered an “unbelievable package” by those who track the game closely. With 14 wickets and 226 runs at an impressive average of 37.66 and a strike rate of 145.80, his influence on the game was undeniable.
Krunal’s experience of 158 IPL matches proved invaluable during the knockout stages. Tom Moody highlighted that Krunal is exactly the kind of player every team covets—someone who can bowl under pressure and contribute vital runs from the top six. “He’s a batter that plays well under pressure. He has got a bank of experience. So he’s an unbelievable package,” Moody remarked.
What set Krunal apart this season was his mental acuity. He wasn’t just relying on conventional skill; he was constantly outthinking his opponents. Whether it was his clever use of bouncers or his ability to shift his stance to counter different bowling angles, Krunal remained a step ahead. His ability to handle finger-spinners and his knack for staying ‘busy’ at the crease made him a nightmare for opposing captains to set fields against.
A Championship Blueprint
The success of the 2026 RCB side was built on the foundation that every player understood their role perfectly. While the marquee names provided the initial momentum, it was the partnership between Salam and Krunal that tightened the screws. Their contribution reinforces a vital lesson for T20 cricket: championships are rarely won by individuals alone. Instead, they are clinched by players who embrace the ‘support’ tag and perform their duties with surgical precision when the stakes are highest.
As RCB looks toward the future, the performances of these two players serve as a reminder that depth and tactical variety are the true markers of a champion team. Their ability to adapt, execute, and deliver in the final stages of the tournament will likely go down as one of the most effective support acts in IPL history.
