RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya stuns Eden Gardens with game-changing spell; reveals mindset behind unexpected bouncer and smart variations that dismantled KKR’s top order.
Kolkata, March 23 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s newest weapon, Krunal Pandya, delivered a match-winning spell in the IPL 2025 opener, as his three-wicket haul floored the Kolkata Knight Riders and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Krunal’s moment of brilliance came in the 12th over when he bowled an out-of-the-blue bouncer to a helmet-less Venkatesh Iyer, forcing him to don protection for the next delivery — which turned into his downfall.
“If it’s a wide yorker or a bouncer, or if you have something in your armoury, why not use it?” Krunal said after the match, grinning.
Iyer, now cautious with helmet on, tried to use his wrists but dragged the ball back onto his stumps, giving Krunal his second wicket of the night.
Krunal’s Tactical Brilliance Shines
Before that, Krunal had dismissed Ajinkya Rahane, who was well-set on 56(31) and threatening to take the game away. Trying to go big, Rahane fell to Krunal’s clever change in pace, skying it straight to Rasikh Salam.
Krunal then finished off with the scalp of Rinku Singh, who misjudged a quicker one, missing the line completely as his stumps were rattled.
“When you play in front of a crowd like this, you’ve got to narrow down your focus. If I get hit, I want to get hit off a good ball. Glad I could deliver,” he said.
Pace, Precision & Pressure
Krunal’s approach reflects the evolving nature of T20 cricket, where spinners now blend traditional variations with pace and aggression.
“Batters can hit sixes so consistently now, you’ve got to up your game. I’ve added more pace, and even tried change-ups like pacers do,” he explained.
He cheekily added, “Now Jitesh knows what I will do,” hinting at more tricks to come in upcoming games.
A New Chapter with RCB
Bought for ₹5.75 crore from Lucknow Super Giants in the mega auction, Krunal is already enjoying life in Bengaluru’s red and gold.
“It’s been amazing. There’s so much madness with this franchise. Even in domestic games, people chant RCB! It’s only been 10 days and I’m already loving it,” he said.
RCB Cruise to Victory
Thanks to Krunal’s 3/29, KKR stumbled to 174/8 despite a strong start. In reply, Virat Kohli (59)* and Phil Salt (56) laid a solid 95-run platform for RCB’s 7-wicket win at Eden Gardens.
With one game, Krunal Pandya has signaled that he’s here not just for support — but for starring roles in RCB’s trophy ambitions.