Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik has lavished praise on Krunal Pandya, calling him a figure pushing finger-spin into new territory. With RCB set to face Delhi Capitals (DC) in an IPL 2026 fixture on Monday in Delhi, the franchise arrives with momentum and a points position that currently sits second, on 10 points.
Quick facts
- RCB will play Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2026 on Monday in Delhi.
- RCB are placed second in the points table with 10 points.
- Dinesh Karthik praised Krunal Pandya for expanding the scope of finger-spin bowling.
- Krunal has taken 8 wickets in 7 matches so far this season.
- In RCB’s previous match vs Gujarat Titans, Krunal made 23* off 12 balls.
- Phil Salt missed the Gujarat Titans game due to injury and is not expected to play vs DC.
- Karthik highlighted RCB captain Rajat Patidar’s leadership and batting output: 238 runs in 7 innings at a strike rate of 210.61.
Looking ahead to the DC meeting, Karthik pointed to Krunal’s evolving craft, saying the left-arm finger-spinner is not only refining his variations but also learning exactly when to deploy them. He stressed that Krunal’s ability to unsettle batters and then back it up with steady outcomes is a sign of how his all-round role is developing.
Karthik suggested that Krunal’s impact is being felt beyond just one facet of the game. He argued that the tournament is constantly reshaping cricket, and that Krunal is doing the same for finger-spin bowling by pushing deliveries that would not have seemed realistic just a few years ago.
“Krunal Pandya is a player this game will remember for a long time. He is pushing the boundaries of finger spin and bowling deliveries that weren’t imaginable a few years ago. He is becoming a master at it. He knows when to use his variations to create doubt in the batter’s mind, and more often than not, it delivers results. A lot of credit must go to him for how he is evolving as an all-rounder. IPL is changing the landscape of cricket, and Krunal is doing the same for finger-spin bowling,” Karthik said.
Krunal’s season impact
Karthik’s praise also came with a snapshot of Krunal’s output this season. The all-rounder has already collected eight wickets across seven matches, reinforcing his value as more than just a specialist in the spin department.
He also highlighted the batting contribution Krunal provided in the most recent RCB outing against the Gujarat Titans. In that contest, Krunal struck a match-changing cameo, finishing unbeaten on 23 runs off just 12 balls.
Injury update: Phil Salt
Karthik then turned to selection concerns, updating on opener Phil Salt. Salt missed the clash against Gujarat Titans due to an injury, and Karthik confirmed that the right-hander is still in recovery and will not be part of the XI for the Delhi fixture.
“He’s injured for the moment,” Karthik said.
Leadership spotlight on Rajat Patidar
Beyond team news, Karthik also commended RCB captain Rajat Patidar, describing his leadership style as calm, measured, and attentive. He noted that Patidar’s approach is visible in his batting, while also emphasizing the way he earns respect within the dressing room and manages bowlers effectively.
Karthik added that Patidar’s temperament under pressure stands out, particularly in how he makes decisions when games tighten. He also cited Patidar’s batting numbers so far, stating Patidar has scored 238 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 210.61.
“Rajat Patidar is constantly upping his standards. He is calm, thoughtful, and you can see that in the way he bats. He has the respect in the room and handles his bowlers well. Under pressure, he stays composed and makes good decisions,” Karthik said.
