Krunal Pandya loved a particular outing on the Wankhede Stadium as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Mumbai Indians, with the all-rounder getting the higher of his brother Hardik Pandya. Reflecting on the second, Krunal stated it was at all times going to be a case of “one Pandya needed to win.”
RCB posted an enormous whole of 241 and went on to seal an 18-run win, with Krunal delivering a decent spell of 1 for 26 in 4 overs. On a high-scoring floor, his management by the center overs proved essential in slowing down MI’s chase.
IPL 2026, MI vs RCB: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
“Wankhede has at all times been near my coronary heart. I’ve performed right here for six years and was fortunate sufficient to win three trophies in that point,” Krunal stated on the post-match press convention.
“So it has at all times been particular coming over right here, and as I stated final yr as properly, ultimately the factors had been coming dwelling solely. One Pandya needed to win, and I assume I used to be the fortunate one in that,” he added.
Krunal’s efficiency stood out in a match dominated by runs. He not solely stored issues tight but in addition picked up the important thing wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, breaking MI’s momentum throughout a vital section.
The competition additionally had a subplot, with Krunal dealing with Hardik in what was a aggressive household battle. Whereas Hardik managed a combating 40, it was Krunal who had the final phrase as RCB held on to defend their whole.
The muse for the win was laid by RCB’s batting unit, with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt offering a robust begin, earlier than captain Rajat Patidar accelerated with a quickfire fifty.
HOW GOOD HAS KRUNAL BEEN FOR RCB?
Since transferring to RCB from Lucknow Tremendous Giants, Krunal has turn into a dependable determine of their setup.
He performed an vital position of their title-winning marketing campaign final season, contributing with each bat and ball. In IPL 2025, he picked up 17 wickets in 15 matches and chipped in with helpful runs decrease down the order.
The present season has seen him proceed in an analogous position. With 5 wickets in 4 matches thus far, he has supplied steadiness to the aspect, particularly within the center overs the place management is essential.
Greater than the numbers, it’s his skill to step up in huge moments that stands out. In opposition to MI at Wankhede, on a floor he is aware of properly, Krunal as soon as once more confirmed why he stays a helpful asset for RCB.
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