5 reasons why RCB could defend IPL title
The case for title defence in 2026 rests on squad continuity and what separated the two successful back-to-back defences in IPL history from the fifteen that failed.
11 Min Read
4. Tim David’s 68 death-over runs have no comparable answer
.jpeg)
In the 17th over on April 5, 2026, Noor Ahmad bowled to Tim David at the Chinnaswamy. Noor had been among the most economical spinners in IPL 2025. David hit him for three consecutive sixes. The over went for 23 runs.
Overton bowled the 19th over. David struck four sixes in that over, taking 30 runs. By the end of the innings, David scored 70 not out off 25 balls at a strike rate of 280.
His 68 runs in the death overs set the record for the most death-over runs by a single batter in an IPL innings. RCB posted 250 for 3 and won by 43 runs.
Rajat Patidar’s side can build conservatively for 15 overs and still reach 240 or more if David arrives with wickets in hand. Across two IPL seasons, no bowling unit has consistently countered his death-over hitting.
Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:
Download Our App