Krunal Pandya enjoyed a special outing at the Wankhede Stadium as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Mumbai Indians, with the all-rounder getting the better of his brother Hardik Pandya. Reflecting on the moment, Krunal said it would always be a case where “a Pandya had to win”.
RCB posted a massive total of 241 and sealed an 18-run victory, with Krunal delivering a tight spell of 1 for 26 in four overs. On a high-scoring surface, his control in the intermediates proved crucial in stopping MI’s chase.
IPL 2026, MI vs RCB: HIGHLIGHTS | SCOREKEEPER
“Wankhede has always been close to my heart. I played here for six years and was lucky to win three trophies in that time,” Krunal said in the post-match press conference.
“So it’s always been special to come here and like I said last year too, in the end the points just came home. A Pandya had to win, and I guess I was the lucky one in that,” he added.
Krunal’s performance stood out in a match dominated by runs. He not only kept things in order but also took the key wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, breaking MI’s momentum during a crucial phase.
The contest also had a subplot, with Krunal takes on Hardik in what became a competitive family battle. While Hardik managed a hard-fought 40, it was Krunal who had the last word as RCB held on to defend their total.
The foundation for the victory was laid by RCB’s batting unit, with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt providing a good start, before captain Rajat Patidar accelerated with a quickfire fifty.
HOW GOOD HAS KRUNAL BEEN FOR RCB?
Since moving to RCB from Lucknow Super Giants, Krunal has become a reliable figure in their setup.
He played an important role in last season’s title-winning campaign, contributing with both bat and ball. In IPL 2025, he picked up 17 wickets in 15 matches and contributed useful runs in the lower order.
The current season has seen him continue in a similar role. With five wickets in four matches so far, he has provided balance to the team, especially in the middle overs where control is key.
More than the numbers, what stands out is his ability to step forward in big moments. Against MI at Wankhede, on a pitch he knows well, Krunal once again showed why he remains a valuable asset for RCB.
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