Royal Challengers Bengaluru sealed a dramatic last-ball win over Mumbai Indians in Raipur on Sunday, with Krunal Pandya producing the kind of batting effort that can swing a chase by itself. RCB began the run chase of 167 in trouble, slipping to 39 for 3 within 5.1 overs, but Krunal steadied the innings and then accelerated when it mattered, finishing with 73 from 46 deliveries. The all-rounder’s wicket later gave Mumbai a fresh opening, yet Bengaluru managed to keep their composure until the final delivery, needing two runs off the last ball and getting exactly what they required.
Patidar hails Krunal’s pressure-handling
After the match, Rajat Patidar praised Krunal’s impact and described the contest as one of the tightest of the day. “I think it’s normal now, but it was a very tight match overall. It was a great game, especially KP (Krunal Pandya). I think he’s the man who’s done it for the team,” Patidar said.
Krunal was promoted to bat at number five, and Patidar explained that the move was a deliberate team decision. “I think it’s our decision. I think we have discussed in team meetings and all. And we know the way he played. He played earlier also number five. But yeah, we wanted to give him an opportunity to go at number five and he has done pretty well,” the captain said.
Patidar also added that experience plays a key role when a side is under pressure. “There’s a lot of experience, you know. So that’s why I think those players do it in the big stage and when the team is under pressure. I think it’s unbelievable, I would say,” he concluded.
Bhuvneshwar’s spell sets the tone
In the first innings, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar continued to look in sensational rhythm for RCB, finishing with figures of 4 for 23. Patidar highlighted the pacer’s control and the challenge posed by the surface. “The way he (Bhuvneshwar) controlled over the ball, his control over the ball, I think is super. And it’s been difficult on a wicket that was two paced and variable bounce. I think it’s very difficult to play him,” the RCB captain said.
Points-table boost, focus stays on strengths
The victory moved Bengaluru to the top of the points table. Even so, Patidar insisted the team was not fixated on standings and preferred to concentrate on executing their game plan. “Right now we are not bothered about the table because our mantra is to play on our strengths and play good cricket rather than looking on the table. I think bowlers have done a tremendous job there. Restricting them on 166, and that was, I would say, easily chaseable,” he said.
Patidar then emphasized that RCB believed they could chase whatever the pitch offered, regardless of the situation. “But to be honest, I think we didn’t deserve to win this match because we have a skillful batting lineup. So no matter how the situation and the pitch condition is, we are capable enough to chase those targets easily,” he added.
