The roar of the crowd, the flashing lights, the dizzying highs and gut-wrenching lows – that’s the IPL, and for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it’s been a familiar rollercoaster even as defending champions. But don’t let the current standings fool you. According to star pacer Josh Hazlewood, the boys in red and gold haven’t even shown their true colours yet. The vibe from the RCB camp? Confidence is high, and the belief that a couple of crucial wins could catapult them back to last year’s historic glory is palpable.
Defending Champions, Undefeated Spirit
It’s a heavy crown to wear, that of IPL defending champions. Every opponent eyes your scalp, every performance is scrutinized. For RCB, IPL 2026 has been a mixed bag so far. While flashes of brilliance have been evident, that consistent, dominant streak that defined their championship run in 2025 has seemed just out of reach. Yet, amidst the cut-throat competition, Hazlewood, a pillar of their bowling attack, remains remarkably calm and optimistic. His message is clear: they haven’t played their *best* cricket. The implication? There’s still another gear, perhaps several, that this champion squad can tap into.
The Fire Within: Hazlewood’s Resilient Spirit
Josh Hazlewood isn’t just a wicket-taker; he’s a testament to mental fortitude under pressure. While his 1-20 against LSG (a five-wicket RCB win) and a phenomenal 4-12 against DC (a nine-wicket RCB win) stand out on paper this season, it’s not these pristine performances that he cherishes most. Instead, it’s the battles, the moments he’s been hit for runs and fought back, that truly define his pride.
Take the recent clash against five-time champions Mumbai Indians on May 10th. Hazlewood’s first over was expensive, conceding 16 runs. A lesser bowler might have crumbled, but the Australian speedster dug deep. He regrouped, adapted, and finished his spell with figures of 1-33. It’s this grit, this refusal to stay down, that embodies the champion spirit he believes flows through the RCB dressing room. It’s about more than just taking wickets; it’s about absorbing pressure and responding with unwavering resolve.
Finding the Rhythm: The Road Ahead
The IPL is a marathon, not a sprint. Teams often find their peak form in the latter half of the tournament, building momentum just when it matters most – heading into the playoffs. Hazlewood’s belief that “a couple of wins on the trot” can reignite their campaign isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a strategic insight into the nature of the league. In a format where net run rate and head-to-head records play a crucial role, successive victories can dramatically shift a team’s fortunes, both on the points table and psychologically.
For RCB, this means tightening up their performances, particularly with the bat. While Hazlewood continues to deliver with the ball, the batting unit has sought greater solidity against some of the league’s in-form bowling attacks, such as KKR’s formidable lineup. The defending champions know that every run, every wicket, and every strategic decision from here on will be magnified.
The Bengaluru Buzz: Fans Remain Hopeful
The loyal RCB fanbase, known for its unwavering support through thick and thin, will undoubtedly draw confidence from Hazlewood’s words. Bengaluru has always been a city that believes in its team, and the memory of last year’s triumph is still fresh. The prospect of repeating that “historic high” fuels both the players and the passionate crowds who flock to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The expectation is immense, but so is the talent and collective will within the squad. As the tournament inches towards its crucial final stages, all eyes will be on RCB to see if they can indeed unlock their full potential and launch another bid for the coveted trophy.
Why This Matters
In the unpredictable world of the IPL, a champion team’s self-belief is a powerful weapon. Hazlewood’s candid admission that RCB hasn’t hit its stride yet, coupled with his conviction they can still repeat last year’s success, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the mindset of elite athletes. It suggests that the defending champions have more to offer, raising the stakes for their upcoming matches and promising an electrifying finish to IPL 2026. For fans and rivals alike, it’s a clear warning: don’t count RCB out just yet.
