Krunal Pandya’s pre-match mood was pure fire as Royal Challengers Bengaluru gear up for a blockbuster Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. The RCB all-rounder, who is set to line up against his younger brother Hardik Pandya—captain of the five-time champions—also made sure the banter went with the preparation, while pointing to unfinished business from last season’s encounter.
Krunal’s sibling showdown and the latest jibe
With age on Hardik’s side and experience on Krunal’s, the matchup promises plenty of intensity in the middle overs. Krunal, 35, offered a cheeky remark ahead of the contest, stating that the better side should emerge victorious.
- Krunal Pandya will face his younger brother Hardik Pandya, the captain of Mumbai Indians.
- RCB are set to take on Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday for an IPL 2026 fixture.
- Krunal’s message for the contest: “May the best team win, which is RCB.”
Last season’s twist at the Wankhede
The emotional edge for Bengaluru comes from how last year’s meeting ended. Mumbai will be looking to reverse the outcome after RCB pulled off a dramatic finish, with Krunal delivering the decisive final over that swung the result in Bengaluru’s favour.
- Last season, RCB beat Mumbai thanks to a sensational final over delivered by Krunal.
- Mumbai will aim to avenge that defeat in Sunday’s showdown.
- Krunal also highlighted that RCB won the previous meeting “in the last over.”
Form, fan expectations and the ‘nostalgic vibe’
Both franchises arrive at the Wankhede with recent setbacks from their earlier outings against the Rajasthan Royals, and each side will be eager to arrest the slide. Krunal, however, framed the contest as more than just tactics—calling it a special occasion to return to a venue that has drawn his former team’s usual support, while also expecting RCB fans to turn the atmosphere their way.
He noted that the Wankhede typically backs the home side, yet RCB has managed to win over crowds largely because of Virat Kohli’s presence. Ahead of the match, Krunal expects a similar reaction this time around, particularly as he remembers hearing chants such as “RCB, RCB” during a prior visit.
- Both Mumbai and Bengaluru are coming off defeats against Rajasthan Royals.
- RCB are targeting a turnaround in fortunes for IPL 2026.
- Krunal expects many fans at the Wankhede to cheer for the defending champions.
- He said the venue gives him a “nostalgic vibe” when he steps onto it.
- Krunal recalled hearing a chant: “RCB, RCB.”
Hardik and Krunal: brothers, but competitors first
Despite the family connection, Krunal made it clear that emotions won’t dilute the competitive edge. He believes both brothers are fierce rivals on the field and will “give everything” once the match begins.
- Krunal said nothing changes because both are competitive, even though they are brothers.
- He added that they will compete fiercely on the field while still keeping their relationship intact off it.
IPL 2026 points picture so far
Heading into Sunday’s clash, Mumbai have played three matches, winning once and losing twice. RCB have played three as well, with two wins and one defeat.
- Mumbai Indians: played 3, won 1, lost 2.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: played 3, won 2, lost 1.
With Hardik’s leadership on one side and Krunal’s confidence—plus a remembered final-over finish—on the other, the Wankhede promises a high-stakes family rivalry where pride, momentum and bragging rights could swing either way.
