Krunal Pandy has always lived in the shadow of his younger brother Hardik – a charming star of the Indian cricket. He was never the main act, never a boy from a poster. But those who watched his path closely know that Krukal is cut out of another substance – one based on gravel, durability and unshakable calm under pressure.
On Tuesday evening, Krunal quietly carved his name in historical books and became the first player to win multiple players in the IPL finals because Royal Challengers Bengalur (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBK) on Tuesday by six runs. No commotion, no flair – only one rises to the occasion where it matters most.
The first came in 2017 when Mumbai Indians (Mi) helped to win his third title by defending a modest 129 against Rising Pune Supergiant – the finals remembering his tension and drama and the lowest total number ever prevented from the IPL Summit.
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Eight years later, Destiny brought him back to a similar scene. Another jersey, the same story. This time it was with RCB at the Colossal Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad, where the high score became the norm. But Krunal was part of a team that resisted chances – defended the lowest sum of the season on a place where the 200 transition is almost expected. Only twice in seven games the teams did not reach this brand at the first tab, while Gujarat Titans from 196 was the lowest.
The same old krunel
Krunal Pandy ended up with the characters 4-0-17-2 against PBK. Courtesy: pti
In 2017, the Indians staring down mainly at 79 for seven at 14.1 overs – their hopes for the third IPL title are disappearing rapidly. In the middle of chaos, one man stood tall. Krunal Pandy was not playing flashy shifts that lit up the result table, but what he did was much more valuable. His peace of 47 out of 38 balls pulled me out of the debris and helped them send the overall combat. Its 50 -start partnership with Mitchell Johnson was not just about running – it was about faith. He gave Mumbai a chance and eventually gave them the title.
Although Krunal was the least economic of the pitcher that night, it didn’t matter. His bat spoke when it mattered the most, and the player Match Award was earning. He was 27 years old – he was still carving his space and still proves that he belonged.
Eight years later, in 2025, he did it again – but this time with the ball. His charm 4-0-17-2 was a turning point in the high-pressure final. Josha Inglis’s head scalp, threatening to take the game away with four six -towering, broke his back. This goal silenced the driving force of and it, PBKS dreams.
Without this magic, RCB may still persecuted its elusive first crown of IPL. And more annoying, Virat Kohli – heart and soul RCB for almost two decades – maybe still waiting. Krunal made sure the waiting was over.
From the rescue of his team with the bat in 2017 to the breakage of the opposition hearts with the ball in 2025, Krunal Pandy became the silent guard of the IPL final – again shows that under pressure he is a man you would like on your side.
Brave and smart
Krunal Pandy also won the Player of the Match Award in the IPL 2017 final. Courtesy: PTI
After Krunal, Krunal revealed that he had taken the allusion from RCB shifts – acknowledging that the course required a change of pace. Accordingly, he adapted and slowed down things to make the life of the dough more difficult. Result? It paid off in gold.
“When we burned, we realized that the slower bowl, the better it is. In this format you need to do it. I just supported myself, I thought I would change my pace and keep it on the slower side more often.
Also read: Virat Kohli in tears after 18 years of waiting RCB for the end of the IPL title
Krunal admitted that it was not just about holding the plan – it was about being brave. He knew he had to risk his pace and believe his instincts to outfox the dough. He said it was the courage that made the difference at night when every run was counted – and every ball -.
“I knew I had to be brave to get the goals tonight. I thought I would do it by doing that bowling slowly.
In sports obsessed with splendid numbers and larger names, Krunal Pandy reminded everyone that heroes do not always wear caps – sometimes they just appear when it matters the most.
Published:
Sabyasachi Chowdhury
Published on:
June 4, 2025
Tune
