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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik opened up on the franchise's approach towards the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season as the team locked horns with Gujarat Titans (GT) in the summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31.
RCB produced a clinical bowling performance in the final, restricting GT to just 155/8 in their allotted 20 overs. The defending champions managed to keep GT's highly-rated batting unit under pressure throughout the innings, putting themselves in a strong position in the title clash.
During the first innings, Karthik spoke to the commentators and shed light on the mindset that the Bengaluru-based franchise adopted heading into the season.
Dinesh Karthik reveals RCB's mentality for IPL 2026
Speaking during GT's innings, Karthik revealed that the franchise deliberately avoided conversations around defending their title and instead focused on winning another championship.
"I think so because we set a mindset of trying to be attacking champions. We wanted to keep pushing towards a second title. One thing that we refrained from using was language around defending our title. Instead, we spoke about trying to win a second title. That's what we've constantly spoken about, and I think that's made a big difference," Karthik said while speaking to the on-air commentators during the 10th over.
The comments highlighted RCB's aggressive mindset throughout the season as they attempted to become only the third franchise in IPL history to successfully win back-to-back titles.
RCB bowlers dismantle GT batting line-up in final
RCB's bowlers executed their plans to perfection against Gujarat Titans' star-studded batting unit. Washington Sundar emerged as the top scorer for GT with a fighting 50 off 37 deliveries. However, the Titans suffered early setbacks as their dangerous top-order failed to make an impact.
Sai Sudharsan managed 12 off 12 balls, skipper Shubman Gill scored 10 off 8 deliveries, while Jos Buttler could only contribute 19 off 23 balls before being dismissed.
Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi takes away IPL 2026 Orange Cap after finishing season as leading run scorer
For RCB, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the charge with two wickets in his four-over spell and reclaimed the Purple Cap in the process. Josh Hazlewood and Rasikh Salam Dar chipped in with two and three wickets respectively, while Krunal Pandya also got among the wickets with one solitary scalp.
Their collective effort ensured that GT were restricted to 155, giving RCB a strong platform in their pursuit of another IPL crown.
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