IPL 2026 Final: Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar, Kohli bring calm to RCB, says Karthik
Synopsis
With Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar already removing Gill and Sudharsan in the power-play, RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik says the veterans' winning pedigree has given the dressing room a rare calmness. A win would make RCB only the third franchise ever to defend an IPL title — and Karthik's 'second title' framing may be the psychological edge that gets them there.
Key Takeaways
Dinesh Karthik credited Josh Hazlewood , Bhuvneshwar Kumar , and Virat Kohli for bringing composure to RCB in the IPL 2026 final.
Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar dismissed Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan in the power-play against Gujarat Titans .
A win would make RCB only the third team — alongside Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings — to successfully defend an IPL title.
The Qualifier 1 winner has won the IPL trophy in 8 of the last such contests.
Karthik revealed RCB deliberately avoided 'defending' language, focusing instead on 'winning a second title' to stay in an attacking mindset.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik credited the presence of experienced campaigners Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Virat Kohli for instilling a sense of composure in the side during the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 31 May. RCB held the upper hand at the halfway mark of the first innings, with their pace attack making early inroads in front of a packed house.
Early Impact in the Power-Play
Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar struck in the power-play, removing Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan to put Gujarat Titans on the back foot early. The twin strikes underlined the value of experience at the highest level of T20 cricket, setting the tone for RCB's bowling group.
What Karthik Said About the Senior Trio
Speaking to broadcasters at the innings break, Karthik was effusive about the influence of the three veterans. 'A little bit, I must say (on a different feeling coming into the final). When you have people like Hoff (Hazlewood), who's been part of many a trophy, and he has this habit of winning big games, and he knows what it takes to win a big game, there's a sense of calmness, actually, when we have those bowling meetings,' he said.
Karthik added: 'That's so important, and I'm talking about Hoff here because he's a big influence on the bowling group. Bhuvi, who's won a few titles, and Virat Kohli, as we know. So these are three important names there who have won titles and know what it takes to win a big game.'
The Historic Opportunity Before RCB
A victory would allow RCB to join Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as the only franchises to successfully defend an IPL title. Notably, the winner of Qualifier 1 has gone on to lift the trophy in eight of the last such contests — a statistic that further tilts the scales in RCB's favour heading into the second innings.
The 'Second Title' Mindset
Karthik revealed a deliberate shift in the team's internal language ahead of this campaign. '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,' he said. The framing, he argued, has kept the squad in an attacking, forward-looking headspace rather than a defensive one. How that mindset translates on the field in the second innings will define RCB's place in IPL history.
Point of View
This mental reframe will be as much a part of the story as Hazlewood's wickets.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Dinesh Karthik say about RCB's senior players in the IPL 2026 final?
Karthik said the presence of Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Virat Kohli has given RCB a sense of calmness, particularly during bowling meetings. He highlighted that all three have won titles before and understand what it takes to win big games.
How did RCB's bowlers perform in the power-play of the IPL 2026 final?
Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar took the wickets of Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan respectively during the power-play, giving RCB the upper hand against Gujarat Titans in the first innings.
What record could RCB set by winning the IPL 2026 final?
A victory would make RCB only the third franchise in IPL history to successfully defend their title, joining Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. The Qualifier 1 winner has also won the IPL trophy eight times in recent editions.
What mindset did RCB adopt for the IPL 2026 season, according to Karthik?
Karthik said RCB deliberately avoided the language of 'defending' their title and instead focused on 'winning a second title.' He credited this framing with keeping the squad in an attacking, forward-looking mindset throughout the season.
Where is the IPL 2026 final being played?
The IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans is being played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 31 May 2026.
