Hyderabad, May 23 (H.S.): Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finished the league stage of IPL 2026 at the top of the points table despite suffering a 55-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final league match on Friday. With 18 points and a superior net run rate, RCB secured their place in the playoffs as the number one-ranked team.

Following the match, RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall campaign, saying the achievement was the result of sustained hard work throughout the season.

Krunal Pandya said, “This is not just about today’s game; it is the result of the hard work we have put in over the last two and a half months. Although the result did not go our way today, finishing at the top after 14 matches is definitely satisfying. We are now just two steps away from the goal we envisioned before the start of the season.”

Pandya made an important contribution against Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 41 runs off 31 balls and also claiming the crucial wicket of Heinrich Klaasen.

The 35-year-old all-rounder said, “They used their experience on this wicket extremely well and executed the slower deliveries effectively. Klaasen’s wicket was very important. I am happy that I could contribute to the team, but in the end, the only thing that truly matters is that golden trophy, and that remains our ultimate objective.”

RCB head coach Andy Flower also praised the team’s consistency throughout the tournament.

Flower said, “Finishing at the top at the end of the league stage is a fantastic achievement. All 10 teams in this competition are extremely strong, and every match has been fiercely competitive. Even the teams lower down the table have shown how dangerous they can be.”

Opening batter Venkatesh Iyer provided RCB with an explosive start, scoring 44 runs from just 19 deliveries. He said finishing at the top reflected the collective effort of the entire squad.

Venkatesh Iyer remarked, “Finishing at the top in such a major tournament reflects what we have achieved as a team. In a competition like the IPL, there is constant pressure, so it is important to appreciate small successes as well. This is an achievement the entire team will always remember.”

Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal stressed the importance of beginning afresh in the playoffs.

Padikkal said, “After every match, it feels like there are always areas where we could have performed better, but over the course of 14 games, we have played excellent cricket as a team. Now it is important for us to reset mentally and focus on one match at a time.”

RCB will now prepare for their Qualifier 1 clash against Gujarat Titans, scheduled to be played in Dharamshala on May 26. The winner of the match will secure direct qualification for the IPL 2026 final.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar