Krunal Pandya's Heroic 73 Leads RCB to Thrilling Victory Against MI

In a gripping match, Krunal Pandya's outstanding 73 runs helped Royal Challengers Bangalore secure a thrilling victory against Mumbai Indians. Battling through injury, Krunal's performance was a testament to his determination and skill. The match saw RCB chase down a challenging target, with key contributions from other players as well. This article delves into the highlights of the game, including pivotal moments and standout performances. Read on to discover how RCB clinched the win in a nail-biting finish.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 16:16 IST

Krunal Pandya Shines Despite Injury

On Sunday, Krunal Pandya, an all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), showcased his resilience by scoring a match-winning 73 runs against Mumbai Indians (MI). This remarkable innings was a memorable moment for the Baroda player, especially as he battled through significant pain from cramps. Chasing a challenging target of 167 runs on a tough pitch in Raipur, he displayed exceptional patience and composure, hitting four fours and five sixes off 46 balls. After the match, Krunal shared images of his injury marks on Instagram, indicating that the struggle was worthwhile.

This innings exemplifies Krunal's thoughtful batting approach this season, as he has regained his form. Across six innings, he has accumulated 141 runs at an average of 35.50 and a strike rate of 150.00. In the match, RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that seemed effective as MI lost three wickets for just 28 runs during the powerplay, thanks to Bhuvneshwar's outstanding bowling. However, Naman Dhir (47 runs off 32 balls, with five fours and two sixes) and Tilak Varma (57 runs off 42 balls, including three fours and two sixes) stabilized the innings with an 82-run partnership, leading MI to a total of 166 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs.

Bhuvneshwar was the standout bowler for RCB, taking 4 wickets for 23 runs, while Josh Hazlewood (1/33) and Romario Shepherd (1/18 in three overs) contributed effectively. In their chase, RCB faced early setbacks, losing Virat Kohli for a golden duck and finding themselves at 39/3, with Deepak Chahar (2/33) dominating the game. Nevertheless, Krunal formed a crucial 55-run partnership with Jacob Bethel (26 runs off 27 balls) and added another 38 runs with Jitesh Sharma (18), completing his half-century in a spirited counterattack. Despite the efforts, Corbin Bosch (4/26) and Allah Gaznafar (1/33) took vital wickets, including Krunal's, leaving RCB at 149/7 in 18 overs.

Romario Shepherd struggled against Jasprit Bumrah (0/20), putting RCB in a position where they needed 12 runs in the final over. However, Raj Angad Bawa's extra runs and Bhuvneshwar's six helped alleviate the pressure, allowing RCB to clinch victory on the last ball, with Rasik Salam Dar (3*) scoring the winning run.