Rajasthan Royals coach holds BCCI responsible for downfall [Source: AP, AFP]Rajasthan Royals went down against the Gujarat Titans in the 52nd match of the IPL 2026 season, thus enduring their fifth loss of the season. However, their coach had now played the BCCI for the team’s sudden downfall.Interestingly, Rajasthan Royals started well in the season, winning their first four games comfortably. At one point, they looked favourites to qualify for the playoffs before things started spiralling midway through the tournament.Shane Bond blames BCCI's IPL schedule for Rajasthan Royals’ downfallRajasthan Royals have lost 5 of their last seven games, thus dropping to the fifth spot on the points table. Interestingly, the Royals played three games back-to-back in a week from April 22 to 28, which apparently led to fatigue.After the loss against GT, Rajasthan Royals bowling coach Shane Bond blamed the IPL schedule, prepared by the BCCI, for their downfall, suggesting that the demanding schedule was one of the major reasons behind the underwhelming performance.“It was a disappointing performance from us. This was a really big game for us, with both teams on the same points. I have not seen the table in terms of net run-rate, but we will have to win two of our last three or maybe all three to make it through to the playoffs. The five games we had every three days, I think we were pretty banged up after that. We were not quite as sharp," Bond told the media.Also Read - "Honey Traps Might Be Real": Fans Shocked As Jofra Archer Bowls Longest Over In IPLBond urges RR bowlers to step upApart from the IPL schedule formed by the BCCI, Bond cited Rajasthan Royals' poor bowling as another key reason behind the their sudden slump in IPL 2026. RR have now conceded around 230 runs in three straight matches, which shows how badly their bowling unit has been hit. Shane Bond believes modern T20 batting has evolved rapidly as batters now use ramps, scoops and reverse shots regularly. Hence, bowlers must develop new skills to keep up.“The batters are playing the upper cuts, reverses and scoops. They have developed their shots. Bowlers have to develop their skills as well. But we have not seen that consistently across the board. It is not easy for bowlers. But either you fear what is going on, or just see it as an opportunity to do better and put your name in the lights, especially if you are an Indian," he added.RR collapsed in a 230-run chaseBatting first, the Gujarat Titans posted 229 runs on the board courtesy of a 118-run opening stand between Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. While Gill scored 84 runs, Sai contributed with 55. Washington Sundar added 37 to push GT to a match-winning total.In the chase, RR lost Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal early, which led to a collapse. The Royals couldn’t hold on to good starts and failed to build a partnership.Eventually, they got bowled out on 152 in 16.3 overs to lose by 77 runs. Now, their playoff qualification hopes are hanging by a thread, and RR must win their remaining games to stay in contention.Also Read - Bangladesh Squad For Women's T20 World Cup Announced
