Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) registered a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match of the IPL 2025 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday (April 27).
Chasing 163 to win, RCB felt the heat after being reduced to 26/3 inside the powerplay. However, Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya bailed them out of trouble with a 119-run stand for the fourth wicket.
While Kohli fell after scoring 51 off 47 balls, Krunal remained unbeaten on 73 off 47 balls to take the visitors over the line with nine deliveries to spare.
After the game, Krunal opened up on his role with the bat and how Kohli’s backing out there in the middle helped him produce a match-winning knock.
"It is always good to see the results. Sometimes, when you have put the hard work behind the scenes, it feels good when it comes off. It is quite satisfying. My role was clear. If we lose three early wickets, I can go in. Make sure we stitch a partnership. We have such great power hitters - David, Jitesh and Shepherd. We can take down the bowling. Glad that I fulfilled my role. When Virat is at the other end, it is quite easy. First 20 balls, It was scratchy for me. But he kept backing me. Then I got my mojo back. So, a lot of credit to Virat. I have always been an economical bowler," Krunal said in the post-game presentation after receiving the Player-of-the-Match award.
With the ball, Krunal Pandya claimed a wicket and conceded 28 runs in his four overs. The all-rounder reflected on his bowling and the expectations he has for himself while playing the game.
"As a bowler, I have always wanted to be one step ahead. I have worked on my bowling. So, if you see the variations in speed. Knowing the batsmen's strength, I am trying to use it to my advantage. I'm glad it's going in my favour. Over time, batting is improving. As a bowler, I have realised we need to be one step ahead. Bowling a bouncer and a wide yorker, I have been practising. I have bowled before as well. I want the batters to keep guessing what I have in my armoury," Krunal added.
It was RCB’s seventh win in 10 games this season, and they now occupy the pole position on the 10-team points table.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will next face Chennai Super Kings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday (May 3).
(With ANI Inputs)
