Virat Kohli. [Source - AP]After winning six of their first eight matches, RCB stumbled with consecutive defeats, first against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad and then against LSG in Lucknow. These losses disrupted their momentum, raising questions about consistency and strategy.Thursday’s defeat to LSG marked RCB’s first-ever loss against them in Lucknow, while LSG celebrated their maiden home victory this season. The pattern of RCB’s defeats highlights emerging vulnerabilities that opponents are increasingly exploiting.The defending champions had a chance to top the table but now sit outside the top two with 12 points from ten games. Key issues require urgent attention, especially ensuring stronger starts and longer innings from top-order batsmen.1. Virat Kohli Batting Longer is Key to RCB’s Winning In a team packed with big hitters, it’s Virat Kohli’s calm, measured presence at the crease that ensures RCB wins. His ability to anchor the innings creates the ideal platform for the middle-order to flourish.In RCB's recent defeats in IPL 2026, Kohli failed to get through the powerplay, exiting early and leaving RCB’s middle-order without ideal platforms. Many see him as less aggressive, but his presence creates far greater overall impact.Key Stats and Insights:Powerplay Survival Wins Games: Virat Kohli dismissed inside the powerplay only 2 of 17 wins since IPL 2025, highlighting how RCB thrives when he survives the first six overs.Early Dismissals Costly: In 8 defeats since 2025, Kohli fell inside the powerplay 6 times, showing early instability often leads to losses. The tally is 5 times this season and 4 of them came in RCB's defeats.30+ Balls = Automatic Victory: Whenever Kohli plays 30 or more balls, RCB has never lost since IPL 2025.Short Innings = Trouble: Of 11 innings under 30 balls since 2025, RCB lost 8 times, which also includes a 76-run chase against Delhi Capitals this season.Kohli's long presence sets up the likes of Rajat Patidar and Tim David to exploit favorable entry points. As a result RCB's middle-order is the only one to have a strike-rate of over 200 in wins this IPL season. Moreover, even in his worst days like that of against Mumbai Indians where we saw Virat Kohli struggling to hit the ball, his longer stay ensured the RCB middle-order execute to perfection and score an above par total. 2. RCB Lead Bowlers Cannot Afford Off-Days With Suyash Sharma in the Line-upRCB’s bowling depends heavily on their first four bowlers due to Suyash Sharma’s inconsistent wrist-spin. His inability to control line and length often hurts the team, especially when any lead bowler has an off day.Inconsistent Wicket-Taking: Sharma has 15 wickets in 23 games across two seasons, a relatively low return for a bowler expected to break partnerships after strong starts.Predictable and Uncontrolled: His lengths and line often lack consistency, making it easier for opposition batters to negotiate middle-overs.Economy Under Pressure: While his overall economy is under 9, it rises to 10.14 when RCB has lost since IPL 2025.Also Read: Prince Yadav Uses Virat Kohli's Own Advice To Dismiss Him, LSG Makes FunSo, why is that economy is so high for Suyash Sharma in RCB's defeats? Because of his inability to stand tall when somebody from the top for RCB has an off day. If we take the Josh Hazlewood example, the Australian has been RCB’s key bowler, especially in away games, taking 21 wickets at a 13 strike-rate since last season, major reason behind RCB going undefeated in away games last season.But, this season, RCB has already lost 3 away games where Hazlewood took only 3 wickets at 49.66 average, conceding 12.41 runs per over. Normally reliable bowlers faltering magnified the team’s vulnerability.In those matches, Suyash Sharma bowled just 5.5 overs, taking 1 wicket at 11.15 RPO. His inconsistency prevented him from supporting the attack, leaving captain Rajat Patidar in problems to cover his overs.3. Time is Ticking For Jitesh Sharma and Romario ShepherdRCB’s middle-order is the most destructive in IPL 2026, powered by Rajat Patidar and Tim David. But inconsistent contributions from Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd are hurting balance and threatening the team’s winning momentum. Jitesh Sharma StrugglesOnce reliable for stabilizing middle-order collapses or providing late cameos, Jitesh has just 64 runs at an 8.0 average this season. His inability to survive crucial moments has directly contributed to RCB’s losses. Jitesh Sharma's weakness against pace and poor situational awareness have cost RCB at key moments. In the LSG game, with a lot of spin overs left, Jitesh attacked a pacer instead, and lost his wicket again cheaply. Romario Shepherd’s Role Under ScrutinyThe West Indies all-rounder, a potential power-hitter, is striking at just 143.6 in IPL, failing to execute his role down the order. In the same LSG game, he missed chances to influence the chase.With the ball, Rajat Patidar has often given Shepherd to bowl and cover Suyash Sharma’s overs, but his economy is nearly 13 runs per over this season. He was taking a wicket every 14 balls last season which has dropped to 20.4 in IPL 2026, highlighting a clear dip in his bowling efficiency.For RCB to navigate the playoffs seamlessly, Jitesh Sharma must be back amongst the runs and Romario Shepherd must execute, ensuring the middle-order firepower continues without unnecessary vulnerability.Also Read: Punjab Kings Coach To Join Indian Team After IPL
