Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Thursday at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, with the franchise maintaining laser focus on the immediate contest as playoff qualification scenarios tighten across the IPL 2026 season. Assistant coach Malolan Rangarajan has made clear that despite the mounting pressure, the squad's only concern is the performance against LSG.

Staying in the present moment

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Rangarajan stressed that external distractions — including how other teams are faring — must not derail RCB's execution. "We can all see how the table is panning out, but we can't be distracted by what's happening with other teams. We can only focus on what we want to do, and the task we have on our hands as of now is the game against LSG tomorrow," he said. The messaging underscores a deliberate strategy to compartmentalise: each game is treated as a standalone contest, not a stepping stone to a larger narrative.

Unit improvement over table-watching

Rangarajan revealed that internal discussions have centred on incremental improvements rather than playoff mathematics. "We're always looking as a unit at how we can improve and the trends in the tournament, how we can capitalise on those things. Our focus is now on this next game," he added. This approach — identifying patterns in the tournament and adapting tactically — suggests RCB is building a dynamic framework rather than relying on fixed game plans.

Squad flexibility and Lucknow conditions

On whether the Lucknow surface might force squad tweaks, Rangarajan indicated RCB prefers consistency over reactionary changes. "We don't fiddle too much with our combinations. We have Krunal Pandya, who's been doing very well for us; Suyash Sharma is another option, and then we have four pacers. We're happy with the way our squad is right now, and we'll try to adapt to what we see tomorrow," he said. The squad depth — particularly the spinner options and pace battery — provides flexibility without necessitating wholesale overhauls.

Backing Jitesh Sharma's experience

Rangarajan also reaffirmed confidence in batter Jitesh Sharma, crediting his international exposure and prior IPL contributions. "Jitesh is a very sorted individual. He knows it's not by chance that he's played for the country and been part of IPL squads for so long. He played an integral part for us last year as well," Rangarajan said. The assistant coach emphasised that Jitesh understands his role and the situations he is likely to encounter. "The messaging to Jitesh is that he's very aware of what he can do to help the team in any situation he goes into. That's all he's been focusing on, and that's what we've been trying to provide for him in training sessions, understanding the situations he's likely to go in and how he can impact the game for us," he added.

Road ahead

As the playoff race intensifies, RCB's discipline in avoiding distraction and maintaining squad balance may prove decisive. The LSG clash will be a barometer of whether this philosophy translates into consistent performances when the stakes are highest.