In one of the most electrifying encounters of the IPL 2025, Krunal Pandya emerged as the hero at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a nail-biting 12-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) captained by his brother, Hardik Pandya. The match, which unfolded into a dramatic sibling rivalry, saw Krunal deliver a match-defining spell of 4 for 45 in his four overs.
Chasing a formidable total of 221 set by RCB, Mumbai Indians were in the thick of the chase, thanks to a blistering knock from Hardik Pandya, who smashed 42 runs off just 15 balls. Alongside him, Tilak Varma contributed a crucial 56 off 29, propelling MI to 181 for 4 by the end of the 17th over. The stage was set for a thrilling finish, but it was Krunal’s return in the death overs that shifted the momentum decisively in RCB’s favor.
With MI needing 19 runs from the last 6 balls, and Mitchell Santner looking steady, Krunal struck gold with his first delivery of the 19th over, dismissing the Kiwi with a well-pitched full-length delivery. Not stopping there, Krunal continued his onslaught, removing Deepak Chahar and the dangerous Naman Dhir in quick succession, conceding just six runs in the over and claiming three crucial wickets.
Krunal’s final figures of 4/45 might appear costly on paper, but the context and the quality of the wickets he took were invaluable. His ability to hold his nerve and execute under pressure not only clinched the game for RCB but also gave him the upper hand in the much-anticipated Pandya family duel.
Earlier in the match, RCB posted a challenging 221 for 5, thanks to explosive innings from Rajat Patidar, who scored 64 off 32 balls, and Virat Kohli, who contributed a brisk 67. Despite a valiant effort from MI’s middle order, it was Krunal’s late heroics that sealed RCB’s third win of the season.
In a match brimming with emotion, power-hitting, and high drama, it was Krunal Pandya’s cool-headedness and clutch performance that ultimately settled the family feud and secured the victory for RCB.