Krunal Pandya’s night at the Wankhede Stadium came with extra sweetness after Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured an 18-run win over Mumbai Indians on Sunday. Playing against a former franchise, the all-rounder also took personal delight in getting the better of his brother Hardik Pandya, while sporting a fresh look that fans linked to England fast bowler Jofra Archer—Jamaican braids. In the post-match build-up to those home bragging rights, Krunal summed it up with a playful line: “One Pandya had to win.”
RCB set a big target, MI fight but fall short
In a match that quickly turned into a run-fest, RCB compiled 240 for four. Mumbai Indians then responded with 222 for four, but the chase never quite crossed the line as the Bengaluru bowlers kept pressure on during the crucial middle phases.
- RCB reached 240/4 and MI finished on 222/4.
- Krunal delivered a tight spell of 1/26 across four overs on a surface that offered little assistance to bowlers.
- His decisive wicket was that of Suryakumar Yadav, who had been threatening on 33 before being sent back.
- The breakthrough came when Suryakumar, after sweeping the left-arm spinner towards deep backward square leg, ultimately failed to keep the momentum going.
The way the innings shaped up in the middle overs made the difference, with Krunal’s spell helping Bengaluru disrupt Mumbai’s rhythm at a time when the chase was still very much alive.
Wankhede special for Krunal, and a look at RCB’s title impact
For Krunal, the Wankhede remains a ground with a familiar emotional pull. He said it has “always been close to my heart,” explaining that he has played there for six years and managed to lift three trophies during that period.
He also reflected on how the result carried the kind of satisfaction that players chase in derby-like encounters. “So it has always been special coming over here,” he added, before reiterating that the points eventually had to stay with RCB: “One Pandya had to win, and I guess I was the lucky one in that.”
Since switching from Lucknow Super Giants to RCB in 2025, Krunal has settled into a dependable role. His contributions were significant during Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign last season, where he finished with 17 wickets in 15 matches at 22.29, and also chipped in with 109 runs at 18.16 from lower down the order.
One of the standout moments came in the final against Punjab Kings, when Krunal produced a match-changing spell of 2/17 in four overs. He was named Player of the Match, taking the wickets of Prabhsmiran Singh and Josh Inglis to tilt the game in RCB’s favour. Punjab Kings ultimately fell six runs short while chasing 191.
Looking at IPL 2026 so far, Krunal has already taken five wickets at 23.60 with an economy rate of 9.07 in four matches for the defending champions. Bengaluru, as Krunal’s performances suggest, have benefited from spells that help them seize control during the middle overs—where games often swing decisively. Beyond numbers, Krunal’s knack for stepping up in key moments has been a clear talking point.
- Krunal’s title-season return: 17 wickets in 15 matches (avg 22.29) and 109 runs (avg 18.16).
- Final vs Punjab Kings: 2/17 in four overs; RCB won with Punjab six runs short chasing 191.
- IPL 2026 to date: 5 wickets at 23.60, economy 9.07 in 4 matches.
- Krunal is also the only cricketer to win the Player of the Match award in an IPL final twice.
Using bouncers as a surprise tool—and keeping it instinctive
One “surprise weapon” Krunal has leaned on successfully is the bouncer—an option many don’t immediately associate with spinners. He said he uses the short ball based on gut instinct and the feel of the batter, aiming to get one step ahead.
He explained how the impact-player structure has changed batting patterns, with more specialist batters taking their place lower down. “With the Impact Player rule,” he said, “previously, you had No. 6 or 7 as all-rounders and batsmanship was quite different. But now there are pure batters (coming in) at No. 8, and with the skill sets, young boys like Mukul (Choudhary) and Vaibhav (Sooryavanshi) are hitting from ball one consistently.”
From his perspective as a bowler, it’s not just about variety—it’s about staying ahead both technically and mentally. “I want to be one step ahead with the skillset and mental part as well,” Krunal added.
He also voiced optimism about the format continuing to allow finger spinners to make an impact, even as conditions often become flat and batting becomes more aggressive. “I am glad that it is coming out well,” he said, “and hope that in this format, there are finger spinners who survive and who can take something out of it and do well. Because for (a) finger spinner with having flat tracks and eight batters, it has become very difficult.”
“Pre-planned” in name, instinctive in practice
Krunal suggested that batters often get caught off guard when a spinner bowls a short, quick ball. He clarified that while there is a plan in the sense that he is ready with the delivery, the exact timing is not mapped out ball-by-ball.
- He said he does not pre-plan a specific bouncer sequence (such as the fourth, fifth, or sixth ball).
- He described how the decision can shift mid-over, with scenarios where he might bowl two bouncers in a row, or instead bowl the first and then the sixth ball.
- His approach is to “commit 100 per cent” once he chooses the moment.
Despite the curiosity around his bouncers—often described by fans as “quite different and funny”—Krunal stressed that he continues to rely on core bowling fundamentals. He pointed out that being tall helps him generate bounce, and that he has also been able to dismiss batters by combining the short-ball option with spin, flight deception, and variation in pace.
He further noted that he does not specifically practise bouncers in isolation: “I don’t practise bowling bouncers much. It is just that I actually bowl in the game,” he said.
Kohli fitness update and the concern that wasn’t
In the later part of the match, Virat Kohli did not take the field in the second half due to an ankle niggle. Krunal addressed the situation directly, saying he expects Kohli to be fine.
“I have not spoken to the physio yet but I think he will be fine. I guess (there is) nothing to worry,” Krunal said when asked about Kohli’s condition.
Stay tuned for more IPL updates, including live scores, match news, the schedule, and the ongoing race for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
