Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar has highlighted that Tim David is yet to prove his mettle against the spinners in the ongoing IPL 2026. While David has great numbers against the fast bowlers, facing the spinners can be his kryptonite.
The Australian batter has scored 183 runs in seven innings of the ongoing season at an average of 91.50 and a strike rate of 194.68. Thus, he has provided the finishing touches for RCB in the ongoing tournament.
Sanjay Bangar said on Star Sports, “As for Tim David, if he is up against leg-spin, even today I feel there are still some question marks over his ability to dominate spin and how effectively he can handle it.”
The former RCB head coach reveals how GT’s premier spinner Rashid Khan can trouble RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who has an impressive record against the spinners.
“It depends on the kind of surface. We’ve seen here that Rashid Khan has been quite successful in bowling leg-breaks this season. So if he bowls a leg-break to Rajat Patidar, around the fourth or fifth stump line, that can create problems for him. Whenever the ball comes straight, Rajat Patidar plays good shots, whether over long-on or mid-wicket, even from a standing position. He got out against Manav Suthar when the ball turned, and Rashid Khan should definitely keep that in mind.”
Bangar said the in-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru will enter the contest as favorites against the Gujarat Titans.
“I wouldn’t want to look too much into those matches. Overall, which team is playing better cricket? Which team looks more balanced on paper? Which players are in form? Based on that, I feel that RCB’s overall balance is strong, their batting is going well, their bowling is performing well, they have depth, and all departments are taken care of. Because of this, I consider RCB to have the upper hand in this match as well.”
RCB have won six out of their eight matches in the ongoing season.

