“Big Occasions Are Made for Me”: Krunal Pandya Reveals Mindset Behind Big-Match Success

Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya believes big-match temperament has been one of his greatest strengths, revealing that pressure situations often bring out the best in him.

Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Krunal reflected on his mindset during high-stakes matches, including his standout performances in crucial moments such as last season's IPL final.

"When I get into the big occasions, I feel that if God has got you here, then there is a reason behind it. And sometimes I think that these big occasions are actually made for me.I feel the pressure, but I think about how I can be calm and in the present moment and do what is required"

Krunal, who was named Player of the Match in last season's IPL final, credited his ability to remain calm under pressure as a defining part of his game. He explained that staying present in the moment helps him navigate challenging match situations without being overwhelmed.

Beyond handling pressure, Krunal also spoke about the importance of evolving with the demands of modern T20 cricket. With the IPL becoming increasingly fast-paced and high-scoring, he believes adaptability is essential for survival.

"What I've realized over a period of time is that to have longevity in any field, whether it's sport, whether it's business, you have to get better and you have to evolve. You can't be the same person or you can't have the same thought process to it."

He also pointed to how the IPL has transformed over the years, especially with the introduction of new tactical elements like the Impact Player rule.

"Every year IPL is evolving. You know what sort of batsmanship was there in 2016 and what it is in 2026, it's very different. Impact Player has played a massive role in the league in the last 3-4 years and that's why you see so many high-scoring games where now 200, 220 is actually chaseable. The game has gone from consistency to impact."

Despite adapting to modern T20 demands, Krunal stressed that the fundamentals of cricket remain unchanged.

"At the end of the day what I've realised is that the basics of cricket remain the same. Yeah, I am an instinct player. But I do my research well."

With IPL standards rising each season, Krunal's belief in preparation, composure, and evolution continues to shape his approach to the game - particularly when the stakes are highest.