‘Looks Like A Complete Side’- Vinay Kumar Backs RCB To Lift IPL 2026, Shares Insights To Tackle Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Blitzkreig

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals have confirmed the four playoff spots in the TATA IPL. All four sides are chasing a second title. JioStar expert Vinay Kumar, speaking to JioStar, assessed RCB's balance, Vaibhav Suryavanshi's threat, and the value of a top-two finish.

Qualifier 1 features the Royal Challengers Bengaluru against the Gujarat Titans on May 26 at 7:30 PM. Vinay said RCB now looks like a complete unit, with stronger bowling and a stable middle order. He also explained how bowlers can target in-form batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi without losing their plans.

IPL 2026 playoff line-up

Vinay Kumar on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Vinay called Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a "tremendous talent" and "fearless prodigy," crediting his strong form and momentum. Speaking to JioStar, he advised bowlers to trust their strengths, use wider lines or tighten room, and mix variations. He urged them to seize any chance that comes during Suryavanshi's innings.

Vinay felt RCB earlier leaned too much on batting, but now "looks like a complete side." He highlighted middle-order players Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, and Rajat Patidar for stability and power. He praised bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, and Krunal Pandya's influence on team balance.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Leadership Role

According to Vinay, Bhuvneshwar Kumar leads the attack with calm control. He compared Bhuvneshwar's lengths to a Test-match style, built on discipline. With Hazlewood and Rasikh Salam, he expects the group to treat playoffs like any other match, stay relaxed, and keep to basic skills.

Vinay stressed that finishing in the top two gives a vital second chance if one match goes wrong. He told JioStar he sees a 14-game league as two seven-match blocks. Teams should aim for 5-2 or 4-3 in each phase to keep focus and avoid complacency.