Sehwag Says RCB ‘Lost but Still Won’ Against SRH

Brief By Newsbrief / 2:40 PM on 24 May 2026

Even after suffering a massive 55-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bengaluru managed to stay in a strong position in the tournament. Former India opener Virender Sehwag described RCB’s approach as a “smart game plan” and said the defeat was almost as valuable as a victory for the team.

Playing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, SRH posted a gigantic total of 255 runs after explosive batting performances from Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen.

RCB’s chase did not begin well as Virat Kohli was dismissed for just 15 runs. The team never looked fully in control of the chase, but instead of collapsing badly, they focused on limiting the defeat margin. By batting through the entire 20 overs and losing only four wickets, RCB managed to protect their net run rate, which could prove crucial in securing a top-two finish and a place in Qualifier 1.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Sehwag said RCB probably knew chasing 255 would not be easy. According to him, the team first ensured a respectable total before accelerating later in the innings. He remarked that “sometimes you lose but still win,” suggesting that RCB achieved their larger objective despite losing the match.

Rajat Patidar scored a half-century for RCB, while Krunal Pandya remained unbeaten on 41 runs. Head coach Andy Flower later admitted that the team faced a difficult balancing act between chasing the target and protecting their top-two position.