R Ashwin points out mistake in RCB’s strategy during 55-run loss vs SRH ahead of IPL 2026 playoffs

Ravichandran Ashwin feels Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) should have tried harder to chase the 255-run target against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday, May 22. The defending champions suffered a 55-run defeat to SRH at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, finishing 200/4 after 20 overs.

Despite the defeat, RCB booked a spot in Qualifier 1 by finishing as the table-toppers. The side needed to score at least 166 runs in the chase to ensure a top-two finish.

Ashwin opined that, given their batting depth, Bengaluru could have given chasing down 255 a shot, especially on the Hyderabad pitch. The Indian spin legend remarked in his latest YouTube video:

“RCB did what was needed to be in the top two, and that is the right strategy. But I would have seriously thought about shutting shop. The Hyderabad wicket doesn’t have many demons. So, I just felt they could have taken a shot for one or two wickets more because they have that insurance of Krunal Pandya.”

SRH pacer Sakib Hussain bowled an impressive spell in the clash. He conceded 31 runs from four overs and claimed the prized wicket of Virat Kohli. Ashwin praised the uncapped pacer’s bowling exploits and suggested that dismissing the star batter might have been a childhood dream for the youngster. He added:

“Sakib Hussain’s addition has given SRH a lot of strength this time. Sakib Hussain getting Virat Kohli out was well-deserved. I am happy for a bowler and a person like Sakib Hussain. There are a lot of rotations in his slower ball, and it is very deceptive. Virat Kohli’s wicket will probably be a big gift for him because, since childhood, he would have dreamt of playing with Virat Kohli or bowling to him.”

Sakib has been one of the finds of the season. The 21-year-old announced himself with a four-wicket haul against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on debut. He is currently SRH’s second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 15 scalps across 10 outings at an economy rate of 9.07.

“That is one thing I haven’t enjoyed” – R Ashwin on SRH using Travis Head as impact substitute

R Ashwin also urged the SRH team management not to use Travis Head as an impact substitute. He noted that the southpaw looked out of rhythm while batting after coming in as the impact player against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

He emphasized that unless there was an injury concern, Head should be in SRH’s starting XI for the playoffs. Ashwin added in the same video:

“If you keep Travis Head in the impact sub, he could probably lose a bit of rhythm. That is one thing I haven’t enjoyed. If Travis Head is carrying an injury, then it is understandable. But he has played two or three knocks where he looked completely out of sorts. Against Chennai, his head fell back and chased an away ball.

“Those things happen if a player is not in flow. It’s the business end of the tournament now. Please, don’t keep Travis Head in the impact sub. Keep him in the game; he can give more there.”

RCB will face GT in the Qualifier 1 at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, on Tuesday, May 26. SRH, on the other hand, will play the Eliminator against the team that takes the vacant fourth spot in the top four. The knockout fixture will take place at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, on Wednesday.