Krunal Pandya is proving to be a pivotal piece in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s push for a title repeat in IPL 2026, shaping games with impact in both departments. Now in his second season with the franchise, the seasoned all-rounder has quickly become one of the side’s most reliable contributors, drawing energy from the relentless standards set by Virat Kohli.
Quick facts
- Krunal Pandya is in his second season with RCB and has been a key performer with bat and ball.
- On May 10, he delivered a match-winning knock of 73 off 46 balls against Mumbai Indians while dealing with severe stomach cramps.
- The win helped RCB move to the top of the points table and keep Mumbai Indians out of playoff contention.
- He recently reached 100 IPL wickets during RCB’s match versus Lucknow Super Giants.
- Krunal spoke on JioStar’s “Superstars” about his admiration for Virat Kohli’s preparation and intensity.
- Kohli has had a contrasting run in IPL 2026, including back-to-back ducks for only the second time in his IPL career.
- Virat Kohli has 379 runs in 11 matches, with his highest-aggression season strike rate to date.
One of Krunal’s standout moments came on May 10 against Mumbai Indians, when he produced a remarkable innings despite being visibly unwell. With severe stomach cramps and clear physical discomfort, he still struck 73 off 46 balls, turning the match in Bengaluru’s favour. The result propelled RCB to the summit of the points table and simultaneously ended MI’s playoff hopes.
That mix of grit and control has carried through the rest of his campaign as well. Krunal has continued to deliver productive outings, and he recently crossed a major milestone by completing 100 IPL wickets during RCB’s game against Lucknow Super Giants. Beyond the numbers, his presence in the XI has also added balance and leadership—two traits that matter in a long season where roles constantly shift.
Krunal on Kohli’s preparation
Off the field, Krunal has been vocal about the standards he absorbs daily from Kohli. Speaking on JioStar’s “Superstars,” he explained how much he admires the way Kohli approaches tournaments, and the passion he brings into every practice session. Krunal also noted that he has shared the Indian dressing room with Kohli when he captained the side, and has faced him in competition as well—making the current reunion in the same squad especially meaningful.
Krunal said, “I have learned a lot just by watching Virat Kohli, the way he prepares for tournaments and the intensity he brings to every practice session. I have played with him for India when he was captain, and also against him. Now I’m fortunate to share the dressing room with him again.”
He added that Kohli’s drive remains as sharp as ever, describing it as hunger that shows up in every net session. Krunal also went further, suggesting that Kohli’s greatness would have stood even if he played in any other era, and stressed that there is still plenty left in his game. “What I have realised is that his hunger is still unbelievable. Those eyes don’t lie. The same intensity in every net session, the same hunger to improve. That is what makes him Virat. I believe if he had played in any era, he would still be one of the greatest. And I feel there is still a lot left in Virat to give to the game,” he said.
While Krunal’s influence has been steady, Kohli’s IPL 2026 journey has looked very different. For the defending champions, he started the campaign with dominant performances and a high strike rate, but has now slipped into a rare rough patch. Kohli has recorded back-to-back ducks for only the second time in his IPL career, a stark contrast to the early momentum he built.
In terms of output, Kohli has accumulated 379 runs in 11 matches. Even through the lean spell, his strike rate remains his most aggressive season tally to date, underlining how quickly he can still swing a game when timing is right.
The season is fast-moving, and with RCB’s title defence still very much alive, every contribution—whether it comes from a suffering-all-rounder rescue job or a captain’s eventual return to form—will continue to shape the points race. Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score, IPL news, the IPL Schedule, and the IPL Points Table, while tracking the race for the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.
