RCB win bigger battle ahead of IPL playoffs despite losing to SRH: Virender Sehwag

Former India opener Virender Sehwag believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have won a bigger battle ahead of the IPL playoffs despite losing their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 55 runs. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Sehwag pointed out that by crossing the 200-run mark in their steep chase of 256, the team successfully locked down the number one spot in the points table.

According to Sehwag, retaining the top position is a huge advantage for him RCB as it provides them a safety net in the knockouts. He noted that even if the team has another bad day like they did in Hyderabad, the play-off format ensures they get two clear opportunities to reach the grand final.

SRH vs RCB: UPDATE | SCORECARD

Sehwag defends Virat Kohli’s strategy

Chasing a mammoth target of 256 runs, RCB finished their innings at 200 for 4. Sehwag mentioned that the Bengaluru batsmen probably knew early on that chasing 256 with the necessary run-rate margin to win the match outright was unrealistic. However, he praised the team’s calculated approach to prioritizing tournament deployment.

Addressing Virat Kohli’s knock, Sehwag explained that while the leader would certainly be upset by the loss, his the batting strategy was entirely practical. Sehwag noted that if RCB started swinging blindly from the start and lost quick wickets, they could collapse for less than 170 runs and risk their top position entirely. Instead, the focus was on achieving the base targets of 160 and 170 first. Sehwag described it as a situation where “sometimes even after defeat you end up winning”.

Sehwag strongly backed RCB as undisputed favorites to lift the trophy and said that the play-off berths will suit their style perfectly. He lauded the franchise for playing like champions throughout the league phase, adding that every single department — from the batting and bowling to the fielding support staff — had synchronized flawlessly.

Venkatesh Iyer emerges as RCB’s ace

Apart from Sehwag’s praise for the team’s calculations, the match highlighted crucial selection silverware for Bengaluru heading into the knock-out battles. With England opener Phil Salt’s availability uncertain for the rest of the tournament due to injury and his replacement Jacob Bethell struggling to find form at the top of the order, RCB may have found their perfect play-off alternative in Venkatesh Iyer.

Iyer has been patiently waiting for his opportunities on the sidelines this season, but he came up big against Hyderabad. Deployed at the top of the order, he smashed a fiery 19-ball 44, getting off to a roaring start alongside Kohli as he took on the SRH powerplay attack.

Following on from his previous crucial cameos, Iyer’s all-round performances ensure that RCB have a dangerous domestic option ready to take on major responsibilities when the playoffs roll around.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

23 May 2026 09:54 IST

‘, e.appendChild