Following RCB’s nine-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, former Mumbai Indians batter Aditya Tare called on the defending champions to show greater faith in leg-spinner Suyash Sharma.
Tare emphasized that RCB’s bowling balance has been under strain and that the team urgently needs a reliable sixth bowling option to defend their title. He pointed out that Suyash, who was retained for Rs 2.60 crore, has taken only 7 wickets in 9 matches this season, but the solution is to persist with him rather than seek quick fixes.
“RCB have always struggled to find a reliable sixth bowler. I believe they need to back Suyash Sharma more. He must bowl his full four-over quota,” Tare said on Star Sports. While acknowledging the young spinner’s dip in form, he urged the team to invest in his development. “Yes, his line and length have drifted, and his form has dipped. But if RCB want to defend their IPL title, they must trust Suyash.”
Tare also questioned the current bowling combinations, arguing that Suyash should be preferred over part-time options like Romario Shepherd. “Backing him is a better option than giving Shepherd two overs. Shepherd has not done well with the ball this year,” he added. “Suyash Sharma needs more support if RCB are to lift the trophy for the second time.”
In the match at Ekana Stadium, LSG posted 209/3 in 19 overs, thanks to Mitchell Marsh’s blistering 111 off 56 balls, supported by Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant. Chasing a revised target of 213 under DLS, RCB lost Virat Kohli for a golden duck early. Despite a solid 95-run stand between Rajat Patidar (61) and Devdutt Padikkal (34), and late resistance from Tim David, Krunal Pandya, and Romario Shepherd, RCB finished at 203/6, falling short by nine runs.
Prince Yadav (3/33) and Shahbaz Ahmed (2/33) led LSG’s bowling effort, while Marsh was named Player of the Match for his match-defining century.