In a match filled with high stakes and intense emotions, Krunal Pandya played a pivotal role in steering Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a thrilling 12-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Krunal, who was instrumental in Mumbai’s past successes, showcased his all-round prowess by taking three crucial wickets in the final over, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 45.
The match came down to the wire, with Mumbai needing 19 runs off the last over to clinch the game. Krunal, entrusted with the responsibility of bowling the final over, started with a bang by dismissing Mitchell Santner caught in the deep on the first ball. The pressure mounted as he followed it up with the wicket of Deepak Chahar on the second ball, caught on the boundary after a spectacular effort by Phil Salt and Tim David. With two sixes required off the last two balls to force a Super Over, Krunal sealed the victory by getting Naman Dhir caught on the fence, prompting a roar of delight from the RCB camp.
Post-match, Krunal reflected on the emotional rollercoaster, expressing empathy for his brother Hardik Pandya, who was on the losing side. ‘The bond that we have, at the end of the day, we knew only one (Pandya) would win. But the love and affection we have for each other is very natural. He (Hardik) batted well,’ Krunal shared during the post-match presentation. ‘We won and I also wanted to win, he also wanted to win. I feel for him,’ he added, highlighting the deep familial bond amidst the competitive spirit.
Krunal also spoke about the mental fortitude required to execute under pressure. ‘The amount of games I have played in the last 10 years, whatever experience I had, it had to come in right. Sometimes, you want to commit but you know it is important to commit 100 per cent,’ he explained. ‘So the execution becomes much on your side. I was clear in a way where I wanted to commit fully to whatever ball I wanted to bowl,’ he added, underscoring the importance of mental clarity and commitment in high-pressure situations.
This victory marks RCB’s first win at Wankhede Stadium in a decade, adding to the significance of Krunal’s performance. RCB will look to carry this momentum into their next game against the Delhi Capitals on April 10 in Bengaluru.