Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya (Image: X/Screengrab) Krunal Pandya continues to play a key role for RCB in their IPL 2026 title defense, making significant contributions with both bat and ball. In his second season with RCB, the experienced all-rounder has emerged as one of the team’s key players while drawing inspiration from teammate Virat Kohli’s unmatched intensity and work ethic.Krunal’s campaign was highlighted by a heroic match-winning knock against Mumbai Indians on 10 May, a performance that propelled RCB to the top of the points table while eliminating MI from play-off contention. Struggling with severe stomach cramps and visible physical discomfort, Krunal produced a sensational 73 off 46 balls to lead Bengaluru to victory.The all-rounder has enjoyed another productive IPL season, recently completing 100 IPL wickets during RCB’s clash against Lucknow Super Giants. Apart from his contributions on the field, Krunal also provided balance and leadership.
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Delhi Capitals’ Madhav Tiwari reflects on his brilliant all-round performanceTalking about JioStar’s ‘Superstars’, Krunal was candid about how much he admires Kohli’s preparation and passion for the game.“I’ve learned a lot just by watching Virat Kohli prepare for tournaments and the intensity he brings to every practice. I’ve played with him for India when he was captain and also against him. Now I’m lucky enough to share the dressing room with him again,” said Krunal.”I realized that his hunger is still incredible. Those eyes don’t lie. The same intensity in every clean session, the same desire to improve. That makes him Virat. I believe if he played in any era he would still be one of the best. And I feel there is a lot left in Virat’s game,” he added.
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Virat Kohli is currently leading a contrasting IPL 2026 season for defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Although he started the campaign with dominant performances with a high strike count, he hit a rare lean patch recently, scoring back-to-back ducks for only the second time in his IPL career. Kohli has scored 379 runs in 11 matches, maintaining his most aggressive strike of the season so far.
