Royal Challengers Bengaluru face a midseason slump in IPL 2026 that has placed their title defence under pressure.[1] After consecutive defeats and with a critical match scheduled in Raipur, the team must address middle-order and bowling shortcomings reported on May 10, 2026.[1]
What happened
RCB lost back-to-back matches to Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, leaving the defending champions fourth on the points table with six wins and four losses in the league stage as reported on May 10, 2026.[1] The next fixture, against Mumbai Indians in Raipur, was identified as pivotal for the team’s title defence.[1]
Why it matters
Virat Kohli has raised his scoring rate, compiling 379 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 164.06, his highest in an IPL season, which has increased the impact of his presence at the crease on match outcomes.[1] Data cited from ESPNcricinfo and reported by the Times of India show RCB won 18 of 20 matches in which Kohli faced more than 30 balls since the start of IPL 2024, making his wicket a decisive factor in results this season.[1]
Background
RCB began the season with a settled top three of Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal and strong contributions from the middle order in the opening phase; batters at Nos. 4 to 8 averaged 39.30 and struck at 190.77 in the first five matches, both the best across teams in that period.[1] In the subsequent five matches the average for those positions fell to 21 and the strike rate dropped to 148.58, the worst across teams during that span.[1]
Injuries and form issues have compounded the decline. Phil Salt scored 202 runs in six matches at an average of 33.66 before a finger injury ended his IPL campaign, and Jacob Bethell has managed only 43 runs in four innings after replacing him.[1]
Analysis
Several individual performances have not met expectations. Romario Shepherd has scored 79 runs in six innings and taken five wickets in nine matches, with an economy rate quoted at 12.94 and a bowling average of 44.00.[1] Jitesh Sharma has accumulated 64 runs in eight innings, while Josh Hazlewood has nine wickets in seven matches but has produced weaker returns in defeats.[1]
The spin unit also regressed after a strong opening phase; RCB spinners took 11 wickets in the first five matches but only five in the next five, with the bowling average and strike rate worsening even as economy improved modestly.[1] Overall, almost half of RCB’s season runs—896 of 1,862—were scored while Kohli was at the crease, underlining his influence on the batting unit.[1]
What's next
RCB face four remaining league matches that will determine their path in IPL 2026, beginning with the fixture in Raipur against Mumbai Indians that followed the May 10 report.[1] The team will need middle-order recoveries, improved bowling returns and clarity on injured players to stabilise their title defence.
Frequently asked questions
Why are RCB considered in trouble midseason?
Back-to-back defeats, a sharp drop in middle-order output and injuries to key players have left RCB vulnerable, with only four league matches remaining to recover their campaign.[1]
How important is Virat Kohli to RCB’s results?
Kohli accounted for 896 of RCB’s 1,862 runs this season and the team has tended to win when he faces more than 30 balls, making his wicket a pivotal factor in outcomes.[1]
