Krunal Pandya playfully taunts Dinesh Karthik after RCB coach forgets his role i – Krunal Pandya Playfully Calls Out Dinesh Karthik After RCB Playoff Win

A Dominant Display at the IPL Playoffs

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have once again cemented their status as a powerhouse in the Indian Premier League. In a clinical performance during the 2026 Qualifier 1, the team secured their place in the grand final for the second consecutive year. Posting a record-breaking 254/5—the highest total in IPL playoff history—RCB dismantled the Gujarat Titans, bowling them out for just 162 to seal a emphatic victory.

The Dressing Room Atmosphere

Following the triumph, the team gathered in the dressing room to reflect on the win. RCB mentor and batting coach, Dinesh Karthik, addressed the players, commending their professional approach. He specifically praised the collective intent shown by the squad, highlighting the blistering start provided by the top order and the relentless tempo maintained throughout the innings.

Karthik reserved special praise for captain Rajat Patidar, whose explosive 93 off 33 balls was instrumental in putting the Gujarat Titans under immense pressure. “Rajat’s innings was incredible. He led from the front in a pressure game and completely took the bowlers apart,” Karthik noted during his address.

Krunal Pandya’s Playful Intervention

However, the celebration took a humorous turn when the conversation shifted toward the team’s upcoming focus. As Devdutt Padikkal prepared to wrap up, Krunal Pandya—who had been a pivotal figure in the win with both bat and ball—playfully intervened. With a smile, he quipped, “Mera naam bhool gaya bhai” (You forgot my name, brother).

The room immediately erupted in laughter, including veteran star Virat Kohli. Caught off guard, Karthik quickly rectified the situation with a grin, adding, “Well done, Krunal. Good effort on the bat.” It was a rare, lighthearted moment that underscored the camaraderie within the RCB camp as they gear up for the championship clash.

Tactical Excellence and Looking Ahead

Beyond the jokes, the mood in the RCB camp remained focused on the ultimate goal. Karthik credited Virat Kohli for the aggressive body language displayed by the team, noting that the intensity was maintained from the very first ball. “Virat spoke before the game about making sure our body language stayed strong, and I think it was as good as it has been in the last several weeks,” Karthik explained. “We had the attitude to get them out, and honestly, we almost sealed the game in the power play itself.”

With a spot in the final secured, the Royal Challengers now look toward the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Having tasted victory in 2025, the squad is aiming to defend their title and secure back-to-back trophies.

The Road to the Final

As the Gujarat Titans prepare for Qualifier 2 against the winner of the eliminator, RCB enjoys a well-deserved break. Karthik emphasized the importance of balancing the high-pressure nature of playoff cricket with the need to keep spirits high. “In four days’ time, we have a big game, and I’m sure all of you will be up for it. But let’s make sure we have a lot of fun in the next couple of days,” he told his players.

The team is currently riding high on confidence, playing a brand of cricket that has made them the team to beat in 2026. Whether it is individual brilliance from Patidar or all-round contributions from players like Krunal Pandya, the current RCB setup appears to be firing on all cylinders as they approach the season finale on May 31st.

Video Highlight: RCB vs GT: Dressing Room Vibes after a dominating win

As fans look forward to the final, one thing is clear: the energy within the RCB dressing room is as much about the shared team spirit as it is about the professional, champion-level cricket they have showcased throughout the tournament.