Raipur didn’t just test Krunal Pandya’s muscles on Sunday night—it also tested his resolve. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder delivered an eye-catching, Glenn Maxwell-esque burst of batting before revealing he was managing more than one physical problem. Krunal struck a match-defining unbeaten 73 off 46 balls as RCB chased down 167 against Mumbai Indians in a last-ball thriller, and later shared evidence of another injury battle that added further context to his grit.
Krunal’s promotion, cramps, and the 167 chase
For much of IPL 2026, RCB hadn’t needed Krunal to do a heavy share of the batting, with their top and middle order typically controlling proceedings. That changed on Sunday when captain Rajat Patidar fell in the final over of the powerplay, prompting Krunal to move up to No. 5.
As the chase progressed, Krunal’s innings turned into a test of endurance. Severe cramps struck midway through the run chase, leaving him effectively batting “on one leg” while still finding ways to score. Despite the discomfort, he steadied the pursuit and kept the pressure on, finishing unbeaten on 73 from 46 balls as he helped RCB reach their target of 167 in a tense, ball-by-ball finale.
The scar and the injury he played through
Beyond the cramps that limited his running between the wickets, Krunal also revealed that he was carrying an additional injury. After the match, he posted on Instagram and shared a photo showing a large scar across his stomach. In the caption, he wrote: “Some scars are proof that it was worth fighting for.”
Why RCB’s batting has improved this season
Krunal also pointed to the work done off the field in shaping RCB’s batting identity. He credited veteran all-rounder and mentor Dinesh Karthik for the team’s improved approach with the bat. Speaking after the game, Krunal explained that Karthik’s impact has shown up both last season and this year, even through inconsistent stretches.
- Krunal said Karthik has taken significant individual time with each player.
- He noted that the mentor has focused on understanding every batter’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Krunal added that Karthik is consistently present for the batters, helping them refine their games.
- He concluded that there is “no doubt” Karthik deserves credit for how RCB bat as a unit.
Handling pressure: match-ups and executing the plan
According to Krunal, RCB’s ability to stay composed during high-pressure phases comes from detailed planning around match-ups and then executing that plan during the chase. He described how the team’s discussions are built around identifying bowlers they believe they can challenge.
- He said RCB have discussed the idea that if there is a bowler a batter fancies, the key is to play out all six balls properly.
- Krunal explained that in his own set-up, he was “set” at the crease when the moment arrived.
- He revealed that, once cramps made running ones and twos increasingly difficult, he adjusted his game.
- His solution was to stand at the crease and face all six deliveries, then maximise scoring opportunities in whatever ways he could.
That tactical adjustment—combined with the discipline to stick to the plan—helped Krunal turn a physically tough situation into a winning finish, underscoring why his 73* mattered so much in RCB’s successful chase of 167.
