Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s push to stay alive in the IPL playoff hunt received a major boost from Krunal Pandya’s match-winning batting effort against Mumbai Indians, and the veteran all-rounder later pointed to the quiet influence of Dinesh Karthik in explaining RCB’s sharper batting rhythm. Krunal credited Karthik’s hands-on work with the batters over the past two seasons as a key reason the team has looked more composed in high-pressure phases, after the franchise’s latest win pushed Mumbai out of the playoff picture.
Krunal’s gritty knock under extreme strain
In a tense chase, Krunal produced an unbeaten 73 off just 46 balls to keep RCB in contention until the final delivery. The innings came despite him battling severe cramps and effectively batting on one leg for long stretches, yet he still managed to power the chase through the middle overs and set up a finish that swung right down to the end.
RCB stay in the hunt as the chase is finished on the last ball
RCB ultimately sealed the result off the final ball, needing two runs to complete the win. The finish was dramatic, with the required runs coming from a scramble in the last moments—turning Krunal’s resilience into a decisive team effort.
- Krunal Pandya ended unbeaten on 73 from 46 balls, completing the chase under intense physical discomfort.
- RCB required two runs off the final delivery and managed to get them by scrambling at the end.
- Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered a crucial first-ball six in the last over to swing the outcome toward RCB.
- Earlier in the match, Bhuvneshwar had also produced a new-ball spell that returned four wickets while conceding only 23 runs.
Dinesh Karthik’s role in RCB’s batting approach
At the post-match press conference on Sunday, Krunal made it clear that the improvement in RCB’s batting is not just about individual performances, but about how the group plans and executes. He singled out mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik, saying the work done with the batters behind the scenes has helped shape the team’s overall approach.
Speaking about the changes, Krunal said that from last season to the current one, there has been a lot of credit due to Karthik. He explained that Karthik spends time with each player individually—assessing strengths and weaknesses and working on them—while remaining consistently available for the batters. For Krunal, that attention has translated into RCB batting like a unit rather than as separate individuals.
- Krunal praised Karthik’s behind-the-scenes guidance as a major factor in how RCB have batted as a group.
- He said Karthik has spent individual time with each batter, studying their strengths and weaknesses.
- Krunal added that Karthik is always “there for the batters,” helping the batting group stay aligned.
Planning pressure situations and taking on the match-ups
Krunal also highlighted that RCB’s clarity in crunch moments comes from detailed planning around match-ups and execution when it matters most. He described how the team’s discussions revolve around identifying a bowler a batter fancies and then focusing on playing out the key deliveries properly rather than getting overwhelmed by the stage.
In Krunal’s account, once he recognized he was set, the cramps made running between the wickets far more difficult—so he adjusted his mindset and aimed to face the remaining balls with a plan to cash in on whatever was available.
- Krunal said RCB have discussed executing a simple plan: if there’s a bowler you feel you can handle, play out the six balls properly.
- He explained that in his specific situation he was “set,” but cramps made running ones and twos extremely difficult.
- Krunal added that he therefore decided to stand and face all six balls, looking to capitalise on whatever he could.
Embracing different roles and prioritising the team
Krunal, who has batted in multiple positions across his IPL career, said he enjoys taking responsibility depending on what the team needs. He noted that he does not focus on personal landmarks, but instead asks himself about the situation every time he walks in—how the game is unfolding and what RCB requires at that moment. For him, even tough scenarios are part of the appeal.
- Krunal said he feels good that the team trusts him to carry out different roles.
- He said he evaluates the situation and team needs before focusing on his approach.
- Krunal stated he has never been focused on personal milestones, preferring to understand the team context.
- He concluded that despite how hard the situation can be, he actually enjoys it.
