India, May 11 -- For 17 years, Royal Challengers Bengaluru were IPL's biggest paradox. They were seen as a side built around big names but often found wanting in the moments that mattered the most.

That has changed over the last two seasons. Last year, they ended the wait and finally became champions. This season, they are currently atop the points table (after Sunday).

The shift has not come from one marquee signing or a dramatic tactical overhaul but from a more measured, evidence-based approach to building squads and preparing for games. Under Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, coach Andy Flower and mentor Dinesh Karthik, data has become central to how RCB operate, without replacing instinct.

"We are data-informed, not data-driven," Boba...