IPL 2026 RCB Vs SRH: Patidar Says Bengaluru Feels Like Home Across Venues

Rajat Patidar said Royal Challengers Bengaluru enjoy home like support everywhere as they faced Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday (May 22). At the toss, Pat Cummins chose to bat first for SRH and spoke about playoffs plans.

Patidar said RCB fans turn almost every IPL venue into a home ground. He said, "I feel, wherever we go, it's a home game for us." Large sections of crowds have worn Bengaluru colours even in away matches through IPL 2026.

Patidar stressed that RCB must keep high standards every match. He said position on the points table should not change effort levels. He added that to win the final and the championship, the team must "tick all the boxes" in each game.

RCB team news IPL 2026: Jacob Bethell injury

Patidar confirmed one change for RCB against SRH. Jacob Bethell was ruled out with a finger injury. Patidar came into the XI in place of Bethell. The setback follows useful recent batting contributions by Bethell, though Patidar said injuries were rare this season.

SRH captain Pat Cummins chose to bat and called a top two finish "a long shot". He said the side would still "give it a good crack tonight". He asked his players to enjoy the game and keep an attacking style.

SRH tactics before IPL 2026 playoffs

Cummins said Hyderabad might "try a few new things" ahead of the finals. He said they wanted to test players and then try to post a big score and defend it. SRH stayed unchanged for the clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Cummins praised SRH for booking playoffs before their last league game. He said the players had been consistent all year. He described this match as likely the last outing before they "start getting really serious" for the business end.

Cummins spoke warmly about support at Uppal in Hyderabad. He said streets near the venue were lined and the team hotel busy. He noted SRH had "pretty much won every night game" at the ground this season and hoped for another strong finish.