Utility players like Krunal Pandya are worth their weight in gold in the Indian Premier League. At Lucknow Super Giants, Krunal had his moments but never quite left a lasting impression. After being an integral part of Mumbai Indians’ dominant run between 2016 and 2021 – a spell that even earned him an India call-up – expectations were high. Yet, during his stint at LSG, Krunal’s performances did little to set the tournament alight.
Now, in the red and black of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Krunal Pandya is a man transformed. The 34-year-old all-rounder has rediscovered his verve, thriving in a team that finally feels greater than the sum of its parts.
On Sunday, during RCB’s record-breaking sixth consecutive away win of IPL 2025, Krunal took centre stage. First with the ball – where he was miserly and menacing – conceding just 28 runs in his four overs and snaring the prized wicket of Faf du Plessis. In tandem with the promising young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, Krunal applied the spin chokehold on Delhi Capitals on a sluggish, two-paced surface at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
It was an all-round bowling effort that restricted Delhi to a modest 162 for 8 from their 20 overs – and laid the platform for what was to come.
Krunal, long regarded for his utility, shone brightly with the bat as well. Registering his first fifty-plus score in the IPL since the 2016 season, he hit an unbeaten 73 off just 47 balls. Alongside the ever-reliable Virat Kohli, Krunal stitched a decisive 119-run partnership that turned a rocky start – RCB had slumped to 26 for 3 in the powerplay – into a composed, confident chase, completed with an over to spare.
Krunal has always been a wholehearted trier, leaving nothing behind on the field. This time, however, his hard work was rewarded with numbers – and impact – for all to see.
“It is always good to see the results. Sometimes, when you have put the hard work in behind the scenes, it feels good when it comes off. It is quite satisfying,” Krunal said after the match.
The opportunity to bat higher up the order came following Rajat Patidar’s unfortunate run-out. With RCB seeking to maintain a left-right combination, Krunal was promoted to No. 5 – and he seized the moment.
The Baroda all-rounder took his time settling in, scratching his way to 24 off 26 balls. But once the gears shifted, he was unstoppable – dispatching Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Dushmantha Chameera to all parts. With Kohli anchoring from the other end, Krunal grew in authority, timing the ball sweetly and finding gaps at will. His unbeaten 73 – peppered with timing, placement, and resolve – was a statement innings.
KRUNAL’S MOST SUCCESSFUL SEASON WITH BALL
While his batting resurgence is encouraging, it is Krunal’s bowling that has been his standout contribution this season.
Across 10 matches, Krunal has already collected 13 wickets – the most he has managed in any IPL season. The left-arm spinner has matured into a complete operator, mixing aggression and containment with impressive poise.
Intriguingly, Krunal has added new weapons to his arsenal. Unlike many contemporary spinners who rely on mystery deliveries – the doosra, the carrom ball – Krunal has leaned into fast bowlers’ tactics. His use of bouncers and yorkers as surprise elements has unsettled batters throughout the campaign.
The numbers paint a compelling picture. Traditionally considered a defensive bowler, Krunal’s wicket-taking prowess has added a cutting edge. This season, he is striking once every 14 balls – his best ever IPL strike rate. By contrast, during his LSG years, his strike rates were 33, 28, and 23 respectively.
So, what has changed?
At RCB, Krunal is no longer a support act – he is one of the leading men. The franchise’s bold decision to trust only Krunal and Suyash Sharma as their frontline domestic spinners raised eyebrows, but the duo have repaid that faith handsomely.
The added responsibility has emboldened Krunal to take more risks. And crucially, he has the skill – and the backing – to pull them off.
Against Delhi Capitals, he expertly set up Du Plessis’ dismissal, varying his pace and trajectory before delivering the killer ball. His command over variations – not merely darting the ball in, but giving it flight and fizz when required – has added a new dimension to his bowling.
“Bowling a bouncer and a wide yorker – I have been practising. I have bowled them before as well. I want the batters to keep guessing what I have in my armoury,” Krunal said, reflecting on his evolution.
“As a bowler, I have always wanted to be one step ahead. I have worked on my bowling. If you see the variations in speed – knowing the batsman’s strengths and using it to my advantage – I’m glad it’s going in my favour. Over time, batsmanship has improved, and as bowlers, we need to be one step ahead,” he added.
CRUCIAL PIECE OF THE PUZZLE?
Krunal’s resurgence mirrors RCB’s own transformation this season. Gone are the days of a few stars carrying the load. In 2025, it has been a collective show as RCB have found new heroes in each and every game.
After a couple of quiet years, Krunal Pandya is once again playing with freedom – and with a clear sense of belonging. RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, was effusive in his praise of the all-rounder’s leadership qualities.
“He has got huge experience. He bowled brilliantly. I was talking to him at the half-time interval. He spoke passionately about how some of our fielding positions could have been better. He’s got so much to offer tactically, and then he went out and did the business with the bat as well,” Bobat said.
As the business end of IPL 2025 approaches, Krunal Pandya’s re-emergence might just be the final piece in RCB’s puzzle. Having been there and done that with Mumbai Indians in the biggest moments, Krunal knows what it takes.
Now, back on the big stage, he will be itching to do it all over again – but this time, in RCB colours.
