Krunal Pandya Shines Ahead of IPL 2026 with Stellar Performances
Krunal Pandya's Impressive Form
New Delhi, December 31: In a promising sign for the reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya is showcasing exceptional form as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 approaches.
Krunal earned the title of 'Player of the Match' during RCB's IPL victory over Punjab Kings, achieving impressive bowling figures of 2/17 in four overs, where he took crucial wickets of key players Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis.
In a recent Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) match against Hyderabad, Krunal scored a remarkable 109 runs off 63 balls, hitting 18 fours and a six. His performance was complemented by centuries from teammates Amit Passi (127) and Nitya Pandya (122), leading Baroda to a total of 417/4. He also bowled economically, finishing with figures of 0/59 in his 10 overs, contributing to his team's victory.
Earlier, in a match against UP, despite his solid batting performance of 82 runs from 77 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes, Baroda fell short of chasing down UP's target of 370, ending their innings at 315. Krunal had bowled a wicketless 10-over spell, conceding 64 runs.
In another match against Bengal, he delivered an all-round performance, scoring 57 runs off 63 balls, with six fours and a six, while also taking 3/39 in 10 overs, helping Baroda secure a four-wicket victory while chasing 206.
His only disappointing outing came against Assam, where he managed just two runs and did not take any wickets.
Throughout the VHT, Krunal has amassed 250 runs in four innings, averaging 85.33, with one century and two fifties, and maintaining a strike rate of 121.35. He has also claimed three wickets.
In the previous IPL season, Krunal played a vital role in RCB's championship run, scoring 109 runs across seven innings at an average of 18.16, including a top score of 73* against Delhi Capitals (DC), and taking 17 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 22.29, with best bowling figures of 4/45.