Krunal Pandya Shines as RCB Edges Out MI in Nail-Biting IPL Finish

In a gripping IPL 2026 match, Krunal Pandya's outstanding 73 runs led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians. Despite facing early setbacks, RCB managed to chase down a target of 167 runs, with crucial contributions from Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Reflecting on his performance, Krunal expressed his love for high-pressure situations and shared his emotional connection with MI and Kieron Pollard. This victory places RCB at the top of the points table, while MI's playoff hopes are now in jeopardy.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 02:52 IST

Krunal Pandya's Match-Winning Performance

In a thrilling encounter during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Krunal Pandya, an all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), showcased his ability to perform under pressure. His impressive knock of 73 runs off 46 balls was pivotal in RCB's two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday.

RCB faced a challenging start, finding themselves at 39 runs for 3 wickets in just over five overs while chasing a target of 167. However, Pandya formed a vital partnership, scoring 55 runs alongside Jacob Bethell, who contributed 27 runs, and later added 37 runs with Jitesh Sharma, who scored 18. Pandya was dismissed in the 18th over, but his efforts brought RCB closer to their goal. In a dramatic finish, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Salam Dar guided RCB to victory on the last ball of the innings, with Krunal battling cramps throughout his innings.

Krunal Pandya on Pressure Situations

Post-match, Krunal expressed his enjoyment of high-pressure scenarios, emphasizing his preparation for such moments. He acknowledged his desire to finish the game himself but credited Bhuvneshwar's crucial six as the match-defining moment. He remarked on the need for patience and skillful shot selection on the Raipur pitch, stating, "I love tough situations and always prepare for them. I wanted to finish the game but couldn't. Bhuvi's shot was the shot of the match. You need to play cricketing shots on this wicket, not just aggressive strokes."

Krunal also shared his struggles with cramps during his innings, revealing that he is not accustomed to batting for extended periods. He detailed his discomfort, saying, "I was cramping a lot. It started from my calf and moved to my glutes and back. I don't usually bat for so long."

Reflecting on His Time with MI

Krunal Pandya, who played for Mumbai Indians from 2016 to 2021, reflected on his emotional connection with the franchise. He referred to MI's batting coach, Kieron Pollard, as a "big brother" and praised him for his significant contributions to the team's success. He described his six years with MI as the best of his IPL career, highlighting the strong bond shared among the Pandya brothers and Pollard. "Polly (Kieron Pollard) is my big brother. My best six years were at MI. The bond between Kieron Pollard and the Pandya brothers was crucial. It was emotional, and I have immense respect for Kieron Pollard, a remarkable human being and a legend of this format," Krunal stated.

Match Summary: RCB vs MI

In a nail-biting finish, RCB triumphed over MI by two wickets, successfully chasing down 167 runs in a tense IPL match. Despite a stellar four-wicket performance from Corbin Bosch, MI could not secure the win as RCB maintained their composure in the final over. Earlier, RCB bowled MI out for 166, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar taking four wickets. The victory propelled RCB to the top of the points table with seven wins out of 11 matches, while MI's chances of reaching the playoffs diminished, leaving them in ninth place with only three victories.