Mumbai: Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik has stressed that the team remains focused on maintaining momentum despite already securing a place in the IPL 2026 playoffs. Ahead of their final league-stage clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, Karthik said the match is as important as any other fixture because carrying winning momentum into the knockout stage could prove decisive. Speaking in a video released by RCB on X, Karthik said the team does not want to relax simply because qualification has already been achieved. According to him, a victory against SRH would give the Bengaluru-based franchise confidence heading into the first Qualifier.
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He praised Sunrisers Hyderabad for their impressive performances this season, describing them as one of the strongest teams in the tournament. Karthik added that both sides have played quality cricket and fans can expect a competitive contest. RCB have enjoyed an outstanding IPL 2026 campaign with balanced performances in both batting and bowling departments. The team currently sits at the top of the points table with 18 points from 13 matches and remains in contention for a top-two finish, which would provide an additional advantage in the playoffs.
Despite the successful run, Karthik said the squad is determined to avoid complacency. He emphasized that the hunger to improve remains essential even in the closing stages of the tournament. The former India wicketkeeper-batter also praised the character and mindset displayed by the players throughout the season. According to him, every member of the squad has continued working on improving different aspects of their game, whether batting, bowling or fielding. Karthik noted that the willingness to improve has been one of the defining qualities of the current RCB side and said the team is committed to giving its best effort in the crucial encounter against SRH as they prepare for the playoffs.
