RAIPUR: Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya had to battle severe cramps on a slow, demanding Raipur track as RCB edged through a tense IPL 2026 contest against Mumbai Indians. The surface offered little help for stroke play, and wickets fell at regular intervals during Bengaluru’s chase. Even so, Krunal kept the innings moving with a gritty 73 that helped keep RCB’s hopes alive until the finish.
At a glance
- Krunal Pandya scored a fighting 73 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- The match took place in Raipur on a difficult wicket where batting was hard
- Krunal battled cramps later in his innings while wickets continued to fall
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar finished the chase for RCB with a six in the final over
- Subramaniam Badrinath drew backlash after a joke about Krunal’s cramps
As Krunal’s knock progressed, the discomfort intensified in the latter part of his innings. He appeared to be in real pain, but he continued to balance aggression with damage control, trying to give his team enough momentum to chase down the target. Bengaluru’s pursuit remained under threat throughout, with wickets regularly denting the batting rhythm.
With the chase tightening, Bhuvneshwar Kumar played the decisive role by clearing the final hurdle. He struck a six in the last over to seal a nerve-jangling finish for RCB, turning a difficult chase into a result that left the stands buzzing.
The knock didn’t just matter on the scoreboard. Fans, current players, and former cricketers praised Krunal’s willingness to stay in the middle despite the cramps that troubled him as the match wore on.
Badrinath’s comments spark controversy
Attention, however, soon shifted to a remark made by former Chennai Super Kings and India batter Subramaniam Badrinath during the RCB vs MI game. The moment came when Krunal was struggling with cramps and ended up on the ground clutching his leg.
Badrinath, while reacting to what he saw, made a joke that suggested he might have “let him die.” Speaking during the broadcast, he said something along the lines of the situation being like the opposition telling him, “Hey, you die from that cramp,” even while adding that it was “okay” because “Rickleton helped him.”
That tone did not sit well with many viewers. After RCB’s win, Badrinath’s commentary drew criticism online, with fans taking to social media to express their displeasure at the joke.
Krunal explains how he pushed through
Following the win, Krunal spoke to the broadcasters about what he felt during the match and why he managed to keep going. He said the cramps became extremely painful as the innings progressed, starting from the calf and hamstring area and spreading into the glutes, before affecting both legs.
Even with the pain mounting, Krunal said his mindset stayed firm. He explained that he was clear he would not “go out,” and instead focused on fighting through the discomfort to contribute wherever he could for the team.
He also underlined how important the game was in the tournament’s closing stages. Krunal said it was a very crucial match for RCB, stressing that at the fag end of the season, every game carries major weight.
When asked how he continued despite the severity of the cramps, Krunal linked it to mentality and staying locked in under pressure. He described it as sheer willpower, adding that he has built a reputation for playing without giving up and that he truly valued those tough moments where courage matters most.
