In a high-stakes match on Monday during IPL 2025, Krunal Pandya delivered a stunning performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Mumbai Indians (MI), especially in the final over where the game hung in the balance. With MI needing 19 runs off the last six balls at the Wankhede Stadium, all eyes were on Krunal as he took charge of the ball.

Match-Winning Spell with Four Crucial Wickets

Krunal Pandya ended the game as RCB’s match-winner. The left-arm spinner claimed four wickets while giving away 45 runs in his full spell. His scalps included big names like Will Jacks, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, and Deepak Chahar. His timely breakthroughs earned him the Player of the Match award in the 20th match of this year’s tournament.

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He sealed the deal for RCB in a tense finish, taking three wickets in the final over, keeping fans in the stadium and those watching on television on the edge of their seats.

Krunal Shares What Was on His Mind

After the game, Krunal opened up about what he was thinking before bowling the last over and also shared insights about his bond with his brother, MI captain Hardik Pandya.

“The bond that we (Hardik and I) have, we knew there was only one Pandya that was supposed to win; the love and affection we have for each other is very natural,” Krunal said.

He acknowledged Hardik’s strong batting but remained focused on his own team’s win. “He (Hardik) batted really well and I feel for him, but we (our team) won and that is most important.”

Speaking about his strategy, he said, “When I came onto bowl, Santner was batting, and the leg side was shorter. With the number of games I played here in the last 10 years, at some point, the experience had to come in. As a bowler, sometimes you want to commit, and it is important to commit 100 percent, and it helps in execution.”

Krunal also praised RCB coach Andy Flower and the team environment. “Andy and I were there for 2 years in LSG, and it was good to know Andy from personal space and the way we are going as a team; we are in a very good head space.”

He had words of appreciation for his teammates as well. “Rajat has been terrific in the way he has started, and he gives you confidence and backs your game plan as well. He is very calm and does not complicate things. Jitesh has been terrific, he has improved his game and the game awareness he has while batting is top-notch. With the glove, he has always been exceptional. I just want to keep my head down and keep winning.”

RCB Posts a Mammoth Total After Being Put to Bat

Earlier, MI had won the toss and asked RCB to bat first. Although opener Phil Salt got out early, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal turned the momentum in RCB’s favor.

Kohli smashed 67 off 42 balls with eight fours and two sixes, while Padikkal added a quick 37 off 22 balls. Their 91-run partnership gave RCB a solid base. After their dismissals, captain Rajat Patidar took charge with a powerful 64 off just 32 balls, and Jitesh Sharma finished the innings strongly with an unbeaten 40 off 19 deliveries. Thanks to their efforts, RCB posted an impressive 221/5.

MI’s Bowlers Struggle to Contain Runs

MI’s bowlers had a tough time containing RCB’s batters. Hardik Pandya and Trent Boult both picked up two wickets each but gave away 45 and 57 runs respectively. Vignesh Puthur also took one wicket, while Jasprit Bumrah, returning to action, ended with 0/29 in four overs, bowling tightly but going wicketless.

MI Fight Back in the Chase, But Fall Short

Chasing a big total, MI struggled early and found themselves at 99/4 after 12 overs. But then came a game-changing stand. Tilak Varma scored 56 off 29 balls and skipper Hardik Pandya smashed 42 off just 15, hitting a combined total of seven sixes between them. Their explosive 89-run stand reignited MI’s hopes.

However, Krunal returned to crush those hopes. Along with him, Josh Hazlewood (2/37) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/48) chipped in with key wickets at the right moments. RCB held their nerves and clinched a 12-run victory.

RCB Moves Up; MI Sinks Further

With this win, RCB climbed to third place on the points table, boasting three wins in four matches, all of which were away games. Meanwhile, MI continued their poor form with just one win in five matches, placing them in eighth spot.