RCB eye double over GT with adaptable attack, says Flower ahead of Ahmedabad clash
Synopsis
RCB head coach Andy Flower has laid bare his team's blueprint for the Ahmedabad clash: an attack engineered to exploit surfaces and a batting order built for any condition. With a five-point cushion and back-to-back wins, the defending champions are not just chasing a double over GT — they're signalling intent heading into the tournament's decisive phase.
Key Takeaways
RCB face GT at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Thursday, 30 April 2026 .
Defending champions arrive with 12 points from 8 games after wins over GT and Delhi Capitals .
Head coach Andy Flower emphasises RCB's bowling variety: swing bowlers, Josh Hazlewood , and adaptable spinners.
RCB have been effective at taking powerplay wickets and possess strong batting depth.
Captain Rajat Patidar leading with strong support, creating positive team environment.
RCB seek double over GT to strengthen position in tournament's critical phase.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending IPL champions, travel to Ahmedabad to face Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, 30 April 2026, seeking a second win in as many meetings this season. The visitors arrive on the back of consecutive victories — a five-wicket win over GT in Bengaluru earlier in the campaign and a dominant nine-wicket triumph against Delhi Capitals — and currently occupy a comfortable mid-table position with 12 points from 8 games.
RCB's bowling blueprint
Andy Flower, RCB's head coach, underscored the team's attacking intent and tactical flexibility ahead of the fixture. "We believe we have an attack that can exploit different surfaces and a batting unit that can thrive in any situation," Flower said. The RCB bowling unit combines experienced swing bowlers, Josh Hazlewood's world-class pace, and spinners with varied skill sets — a combination designed to dominate across all phases of play.
Powerplay dominance and batting depth
RCB have been particularly effective in the powerplay, consistently taking early wickets to apply pressure on opposition batting orders. Flower highlighted this strength: "We've been very good at taking powerplay wickets and putting opposition under pressure. At the same time, we have strong depth in our batting, which gives the group a lot of confidence." This dual strength — a restrictive opening phase coupled with batting resilience — has been central to RCB's tournament run.
Mental approach and handling pressure
Flower outlined a philosophy that embraces rather than suppresses competitive pressure. "Fear is a normal human emotion. Instead of trying to ignore it, we encourage players to recognise it and respond well," he explained. This approach extends to how RCB treat both victories and defeats: maintaining equanimity and treating each match as a fresh challenge rather than getting carried away by recent results or standings.
Rajat Patidar's leadership
RCB captain Rajat Patidar has earned Flower's confidence for his leadership. "He is leading the side really well. He has strong support around him, and together they are creating a positive environment for the team to perform," the coach said. This leadership cohesion has been instrumental in maintaining the team's momentum during the tournament's critical mid-phase.
Road ahead
With clarity in approach and momentum firmly in their favour, RCB will aim to complete a double over GT and consolidate their position as the tournament enters the business end. The contest on Thursday will test whether RCB's adaptability across surfaces and phases can translate into another away victory.
Point of View
But controlled aggression. RCB's 12 points from 8 games is solid, not runaway. The emphasis on treating wins and losses with equanimity suggests a team aware that IPL momentum is volatile — one bad phase can unravel a tournament. The real test is whether this bowling variety translates into execution on a surface where GT have historically held sway. Ahmedabad has been a fortress for Titans; RCB's adaptability claim will be tested sharply.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will RCB play GT in IPL 2026?
RCB will face GT at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, 30 April 2026. This is an away fixture for RCB, who are the defending IPL champions.
What is RCB's current position in the IPL 2026 points table?
RCB currently hold 12 points from 8 games, placing them comfortably mid-table. They arrive on the back of consecutive wins — a five-wicket victory over GT earlier this season and a nine-wicket triumph against Delhi Capitals.
What did Andy Flower say about RCB's bowling attack?
Head coach Andy Flower stated that RCB have an attack capable of exploiting different surfaces, combining experienced swing bowlers, world-class pacer Josh Hazlewood, and spinners with varied skill sets. He highlighted the team's strength in taking powerplay wickets and applying early pressure.
How has RCB performed in the powerplay so far?
RCB have been very effective at taking powerplay wickets, consistently putting opposition under pressure in the opening phase. This early dominance, paired with strong batting depth, has been central to their tournament performance.
What is RCB's approach to handling pressure and setbacks?
According to Andy Flower, RCB encourage players to recognise fear as a normal emotion and respond well to it rather than suppress it. The team treats wins and losses with equanimity, approaching each match as a fresh challenge without getting carried away by recent results.
