Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya together. Credits - AFP
Mumbai Indians (MI) were eliminated from the playoff race in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) after being defeated by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday. Krunal Pandya, a former MI blood, was the hero of the win for RCB as they climbed to the top of the table.
RCB were reduced to 39/3 in the tricky chase of 167 runs, when Krunal Pandya came into bat and stitched a remarkable partnership with Jacob Bethell of 55 runs.
Not only did he play the innings of his life, but he also batted through his deadly cramps during his match-winning knock against his brother, Hardik Panyda's team.
Although Krunal could finish off the game, it was heroics from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Salam that took RCB home.
Krunal Pandya dreams of playing 2027 World Cup
After winning the game against his former franchise, Krunal Pandya spoke at length about his childhood dream and manifested being in the India dressing room, where his brother Hardik Pandya is an integral part, for the ODI World Cup 2027.
Krunal, who has five ODIs and 19 T20Is under his belt, last played for India back in March 2021. Although his batting is best suited for the 50-over format, the left-arm spinner operates at a flatter trajectory, which usually gets picked up easily in the longer format.
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"When I was a kid of 6- 7 years of age, I wanted to play for the country. Still, it has not changed. 100 per cent, the goal is to play for the country. The next year, we have a World Cup coming. I hope to keep doing well, fingers crossed. Let us hope that I get that opportunity. It would be special for me and my family," Krunal Pandya said in the post-match press-conference after RCB vs MI.
Having said that, India have a truckload of specialists for the given position in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar - ahead of the Baroda cricketer.
Krunal Pandya's hidden grind in domestic circle
In domestic circles, Krunal Pandya has been grinding season after season, which has translated into his performances in the IPL.
Talking about List-A cricket, the spinning all-rounder has played 98 matches after debuting for Baroda in November 2014. He has scored 3001 runs while batting at number 5 or 6, while he has chipped 118 wickets at an economy rate of under 5.
In the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy, Pandya led his state side exceptionally, scoring 321 runs in seven innings and taking six wickets at economy under 5.50.
Clutch Krunal Pandya delivers for RCB
Krunal Pandya, a gun player for MI during their dominating years, had a below-par season with the Lucknow Super Giants.
However, the street-smart all-rounder reinvented himself at the RCB. Not only is he leading their spin attack, but he is also contributing with the bat at key junctures.
The 35-year-old all-rounder is proving in IPL 2026 that last season was no one-season wonder, as he is continuing from where he left off a year ago. This season, he has scored 141 runs at a strike rate of 141, alongside his 10 wickets.
Having said that, Krunal's form will be crucial for the defending champions as they head into the business end of the tournament. Nevertheless, RCB will face KKR next in Raipur on May 13.
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