Krunal Pandya Aims for More Success with RCB in IPL 2026
Krunal Pandya, the all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), played a crucial role in securing the franchise’s first-ever IPL title in 2025. Despite this achievement, he is hungry for more as he sets his sights on the upcoming season with the dynamic team led by Virat Kohli.
Last year, Krunal was named Player of the Match in the season opener and also in the final. His stellar performances helped RCB end an 18-year wait for the championship. Notably, he became the only player to win Player of the Match awards in two IPL finals, having previously achieved the same with the Mumbai Indians in 2017.
The 2025 season marked a high point in Krunal’s IPL career, where he emerged as the top finger spinner. He claimed 17 wickets, second only to teammate Josh Hazlewood’s 22, establishing himself as a reliable player in crucial situations.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Krunal expressed his satisfaction with the team’s success. “It feels great that everything I said in 2022 has come true. After 17 years without a trophy, RCB finally won in the 18th season, and I was part of it. I made a meaningful contribution to that victory—can’t ask for more than this. I’m still eager for more; I feel like this is just the beginning,” he said.
He also credited RCB’s spin-bowling coach, Malolan Rangarajan, for believing in his abilities. Krunal mentioned how Malolan encouraged him to broaden his bowling tactics, like utilizing the bouncer. Heading into IPL 2026, Krunal feels equipped with more tools than ever in his bowling repertoire.
Krunal said, “I give a lot of credit to Malolan. As a player, there are things you instinctively know will work, but he validated those instincts and pushed me to explore them. He encouraged me to bowl slower and go for wickets, and said if I felt like it, I could throw in a bouncer.”
With the IPL 2026 season kicking off on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Krunal is ready to capitalize on his successful run and believes this is just the beginning of a rewarding phase for both him and RCB.
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Published By: Saurabh Kumar
Published On: Mar 24, 2026 09:20 IST
