Krunal Pandya (Pic Credit: IPL) NEW DELHI: Krunal Pandya summed up his bitter battle against Mumbai Indians with an emotional Instagram story after leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a thrilling last-ball win in IPL 2026.“Some scars are proof that it was worth the fight,” Krunal wrote alongside a picture showing the massive scar he sustained during his match-winning match in Raipur on Sunday night.The all-rounder battled severe cramps and physical pain during a sensational 73 off 46 balls, an innings that rescued RCB from deep trouble during their chase of 167. At one stage, the defending champions were reeling at 39/3 before Krunal put together a crucial partnership with Jacob Bethell and Jitesh Sharma’s innings to revive the team.
Watch
Krunal Pandya opens the match winning game and RCB’s playoff runDespite struggling to move freely towards the end of his stroke, Krunal continued to battle the bowlers and smashed five sixes and four boundaries on a difficult surface.‘I love difficult situations’After the match, Krunal admitted that he thrives under pressure and likes to take charge in moments of crisis.“Obviously I love tough situations and I always prepare for them and look forward to them,” Krunal said at the post-match presentation.“Obviously I wanted to finish the game but I couldn’t. The shot that Bhuvi played was the hit of the match.”The RCB star also revealed the extent of the cramp he suffered during the chase.“It started in my calf, through my glutes and into my back. So I had a lot of cramping. I don’t usually burn that long,” he said.
Krunal Pandya’s Instagram Story
Emotional reunion with Mumbai IndiansKrunal, who spent six seasons with MI alongside brother Hardik Pandya, also spoke emotionally about facing his former franchise and praised MI batting coach Kieron Pollard.“Polly is my big brother. I had my best six years at MI. Kieron Pollard and the Pandya brothers were the engine room,” he said.Former South Africa goalkeeper Mark Boucher later described Krunal as a “street fighter” and said the all-rounder refused to come down despite barely being able to stand.
Vote
What impressed you the most about Krunal Pandya’s performance?
RCB eventually sealed a dramatic two-wicket victory thanks to a late six from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a result that took them to the top of the IPL standings while knocking MI out of the play-off race.
