'Rather have it sooner than later' - RCB coach reflects on first loss of WPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's standby coach Malolan Rangarajan has opined that it was better for the team to face a jolt sooner than later in WPL 2026 RCB were on a five-match winning streak before getting defeated by Delhi Capitals on January 24. 

He emphasised the franchise's aim to finish at the top of the table. Rangarajan also highlighted that the team and management will strive to find answers after the defeat and be prepared for the remainder of the tournament.

"Qualification is important, but we're not here just to qualify. We want to seal the top spot. So, brushing this result under the carpet isn't easier just because we've qualified. They're all professionals. We need to understand what the conditions are. We need to find solutions. So, if we needed to win the next two games, I would, as coach, react the same way as I'd react now," stated Rangarajan, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

He complimented the group for the way it has performed in the six matches so far. He also shared that a loss such as the one against the Capitals will be good to reflect over.

"But it's also important to acknowledge how well we've played over the last six games. So when you have a game like this, you'd rather have it sooner than later so the girls can go and reflect, and as a group, we can come back with better answers," he added.

Despite the loss, RCB are firmly on top with 10 points while possessing a net run rate of +1.236. They have already qualified for the playoffs. RCB's final league matches will be against Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz. The 2024 champions seem to be one of the favourites for winning the title this season.