Karthik Says RCB ‘Ticked Every Box Like Champions’ as 92-Run Qualifier 1 Win Books Second IPL Final in a row

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik said his team delivered a “clinical, professional” performance that looked every bit like a champion side, after RCB thrashed Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Tuesday’s Qualifier 1 to march into their second straight IPL final.
Speaking to the players in the dressing room at the HPCA Stadium moments after the win, Karthik praised RCB’s aggressive mindset and positive body language from the very first ball. He stressed that the squad never took a backward step and played fearless cricket throughout the high-pressure contest.
Devdutt Padikkal also addressed the group alongside Karthik. While reeling off names of the standout performers, the left-handed opener briefly forgot to mention Krunal Pandya — who starred with both bat and ball — before quickly adding him to the list.
Playoff History Made with Bat and Ball RCB set a new benchmark by hammering 254/5, the highest total ever recorded in an IPL playoff match. The bowlers then did their job, bundling Gujarat out for 162 to complete a 92-run rout.
“This was a clinical effort, a professional effort,” Karthik told the squad. He reminded them that a 1-vs-2 playoff is one of the biggest games of the season, but said RCB handled it with the composure of champions. “We played like champions, and I think we can make it happen that day,” he added, referring to the IPL 2026 final scheduled in Ahmedabad.
Attacking Intent Set the Tone
Karthik highlighted the batting group’s intent as the key factor. From the opening over, RCB looked to dominate and never allowed Gujarat’s bowlers to find rhythm. He said the team’s body language, clarity of plans, and execution were exactly what the coaching staff had asked for.
The post-match dressing room address reflected a team full of belief. With a Qualifier 1 win now secured, Karthik made it clear that RCB want to take the same “champion mentality” into the final and finish the job.
Padikkal’s Quick Save
During the speech, Padikkal ran through the key contributors in the win. He momentarily skipped Krunal Pandya’s name despite the all-rounder’s crucial 43 with the bat and two wickets, but corrected himself right after to make sure Pandya got his due.