IPL 2026: ‘RCB have to be careful’ - Virender Sehwag highlights GT’s bowling strength

Former India opener Virender Sehwag believes Gujarat Titans hold a clear edge over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the bowling department ahead of the highly-anticipated Qualifier 1 clash in IPL 2026.

Sehwag pointed out that Gujarat’s pace attack has been far more disciplined and effective under pressure situations this season, while RCB’s bowling unit has struggled to maintain consistency despite the franchise securing a top-two finish in the league stage.

RCB headed into the playoffs after suffering a heavy 55-run defeat against SRH in their final league-stage fixture, where Hyderabad posted a massive total of 255 runs. The performance once again exposed Bengaluru’s bowling concerns at a crucial stage of the tournament.

While RCB boast experienced names like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sehwag feels the bowling attack has lacked consistency throughout the season. Against SRH, both Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar endured a forgettable outing, conceding 106 runs combined in eight overs without picking up a wicket.

Sehwag stated that RCB would hope such a performance does not repeat itself in the playoffs.

“That could be just a rare off-day, so they should accept that they had a bad day where Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood both did not pick up any wickets, no one bowled well that day,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

The former opener also reserved special praise for Gujarat Titans’ pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, both of whom have played a massive role in the team’s successful IPL 2026 campaign.

Rabada has been in sensational form this season, picking up 24 wickets in 14 matches while consistently striking with the new ball. The South African speedster also equalled the IPL record for most wickets in the powerplay during a single season after claiming 17 wickets inside the first six overs.

According to Sehwag, GT’s ability to attack and contain runs simultaneously makes them a far more balanced bowling side compared to RCB.

“So, they should look to forget that and move on. But if it happens again in the playoffs, they might concede more than 255 there, because the boundaries are quite short. So, it is important for RCB that their bowling works, because GT’s bowling is quite good. RCB have to be careful,” added Sehwag.

The two teams will go up against each other in the Qualifier 1 on May 26 at Dharamsala to book a spot in the finale of the IPL 2026, whereas the loser will face the winner of the Eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals in the Qualifier 2.