Krunal Pandya believes the Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp feels more settled this season, with players operating with greater clarity in their roles, a shift he attributes to the stability and belief gained after the franchise’s maiden Indian Premier League triumph in 2025.
Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Pandya praised captain Rajat Patidar for promoting a composed and structured environment while reiterating that a return to India colors remains his main personal goal.
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RCB ended their 18-year wait for an IPL title beat Punjab Kings by six runs in the final in Ahmedabad, with Pandya playing a crucial role and earning the Man-of-the-Match award for his figures of 4-0-17-2.
“It’s a much calmer atmosphere this year. Last year was about new team dynamics and getting to know each other. Now many players understand their roles and each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Pandya said in a franchise release.
He reserved special praise for Patidar’s leadership in his debut season as captain. “Rajat has done an amazing job as the captain of such a big franchise like RCB. The way he led the team last year was very special,” Pandya added.
On handling the pressure in high-stakes moments, Pandya said: “When I get into big opportunities, I feel that if God has put you here, then there is a reason behind it. Sometimes I think these moments are made for me. I feel the pressure, but I focus on staying calm and present to do what is required.”
Pandya also emphasized the importance of teamwork, especially his understanding on the field with wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma. “A lot of credit goes to Jitesh for the wickets. I feel very safe and trust him completely because wherever I play, he catches the ball.”
Considering RCB’s fan base and its icons, Pandya singled out Virat Kohli for his tireless drive. “Virat is a classic example. You can see that hunger and passion in the way he sees the game and wants to win. If he was born in any other generation, he would still be one of the greats. He doesn’t compete with anyone else.”
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
31 March 2026 15:57 IST
