Krunal Pandya Reflects on Emotional Victory Against Former Team

In a thrilling match, Krunal Pandya led RCB to a dramatic victory over MI, showcasing his batting prowess. Post-match, he shared emotional reflections on his time with MI, highlighting his strong bond with Kieron Pollard and his brother Hardik. This heartfelt tribute reveals the deep connections formed in the world of cricket, making it a must-read for fans.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 01:31 IST

Krunal Pandya's Emotional Victory with RCB

Krunal Pandya expressed deep emotions after leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a thrilling win over Mumbai Indians (MI), reminiscing about his time with the franchise. In a nail-biting finish on Sunday (May 10) at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Stadium in Raipur, RCB triumphed over the five-time champions by two wickets. Krunal shone as the top scorer, contributing significantly to the chase of 167 runs after being promoted to bat at number five. After the team found itself in a precarious position at 37-3, the all-rounder stepped up, scoring 73 runs off 46 balls, boasting a strike rate of 158.70, which included four fours and five sixes.

Krunal Pandya's Heartfelt Tribute to Kieron Pollard

Following the match, Krunal shared a heartfelt moment with Pollard, who he regards as an elder brother. In a conversation with Ian Bishop, the four-time IPL champion reflected on their strong bond, stating, "Polly (Kieron Pollard) is my big brother. I had my best six years at MI. I remember when the Pandya brothers and Kieron Pollard were the backbone of the team. We achieved a lot together in batting, bowling, and fielding. I still recall our last game in 2021 when we held hands, realizing it was our final moment together. It was emotional, but I cherish Kieron Pollard. He is an incredible person and a legend of this format, having won numerous trophies and games. As he always says, 'You can't keep a good man down,'" Krunal shared during his post-match interview.

Hardik, Krunal, and Pollard: The Core of MI's Success

Hardik Pandya, MI's captain, missed the match due to a back injury. The Pandya brothers departed from the franchise before the 2022 mega auction, but Hardik made a comeback ahead of the 2024 season through a trade and resumed his captaincy. Krunal played a pivotal role in MI's championship victories in 2017, 2019, and 2020, while Hardik contributed to the titles in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Pollard was integral to all five title wins and currently serves as MI's batting coach after retiring from IPL in 2022. He remains an active player in various leagues, including for MI franchises in Major League Cricket (MLC) and ILT20. Both Hardik and Krunal began their IPL journeys with MI in 2015 and 2016, respectively.