After Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s five-match winning streak in the WPL 2026 ended with a defeat against Delhi Capitals, acting head coach Malolan Rangarajan stressed that merely qualifying is not RCB’s ultimate goal. He highlighted the team’s aim to secure the top spot on the table. DC secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over RCB, propelling them to the second position in the points table.
“Qualification is important, but we are not here just to qualify. We want to seal the top spot. So brushing this result under the carpet isn’t easier just because we’ve qualified,” Malolan stated during the post-match press conference. Viewing the loss as a natural part of a lengthy tournament, he emphasized the need for understanding conditions and finding solutions.
Malolan refrained from considering the defeat as a blow to confidence, emphasizing the professionalism of the players. He mentioned that the team needs to adapt and react strategically regardless of the situation. RCB, after being restricted to 109 runs while batting first, saw DC chase down the target of 110 with 4.2 overs to spare, enhancing their position in the points table and improving their Net Run Rate.
Acknowledging DC’s superior performance across batting, bowling, and fielding, Malolan credited the opposition for their comprehensive victory. He noted the challenging pitch conditions, especially during the PowerPlay, and highlighted RCB’s missed opportunity to set a higher target. The coach also clarified that recent changes in RCB’s batting order were driven by tactical considerations rather than player form.
In conclusion, Malolan emphasized the importance of optimal resource allocation and learning from challenging games like the recent loss. He reiterated the team’s commitment to continuous improvement and strategic clarity in their approach.
