IPL 2026: Krunal Pandya Explains How Bowlers Must Evolve to Survive Modern T20 Batting

Krunal Pandya believes modern-day T20 cricket has forced bowlers to constantly reinvent themselves - and that realization is exactly why he added bouncers and yorkers to his bowling arsenal.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder, who played a pivotal role in RCB's IPL 2025 title-winning campaign, spoke in detail about pressure, bowling strategy, and evolving with the game during an interaction on JioStar's 'Superstars'.

'Batters Have Changed Drastically'

Krunal pointed out how the rise of fearless power-hitters has transformed the demands on bowlers in the IPL.

"If you follow the IPL closely over the last 10 years, the striking ability of batters has changed drastically," Krunal said. "The new-age batters coming in have an insane ability to clear the ropes with ease."

According to him, surviving in modern T20 cricket is no longer possible with predictable bowling.

"You have to add variety to your bowling arsenal. You must stay one step ahead of the batter," he explained while detailing how bouncers and yorkers became part of his plans despite primarily being a spinner.

Thinking Like a Batter

One of the most interesting aspects of Krunal's approach is how much he relies on his batting experience while planning as a bowler.

"Being a batter myself helps me think like a batter," he said. "I always try to stay one step ahead of the batter in terms of thought process and then focus on how to execute my skill."

That tactical thinking becomes even more important against elite spin hitters like Heinrich Klaasen and Shreyas Iyer.

Against Klaasen, Krunal stressed the importance of building pressure through dot balls rather than attacking recklessly. Against Iyer, the focus shifts towards forcing him into lower-percentage scoring areas.

The Chinnaswamy Challenge

Krunal also addressed one of the biggest mental battles for bowlers in the IPL - bowling on smaller grounds like the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

"On grounds like Wankhede or Chinnaswamy, especially Chinnaswamy, the boundaries are small," he said. "So, I tell myself that if I bowl a bad ball, it will go for a six, whether it is 80 meters or 50 or 60 meters."

But instead of letting boundary dimensions create pressure, Krunal simplifies the challenge mentally.

"I know that if I bowl a good ball, the batter won't be able to hit it even 30 yards," he added. "If I bowl my best ball, they won't be able to hit me even on a small ground."

Handling Pressure as Defending Champions

RCB entered IPL 2026 carrying the expectations of defending champions after finally winning their maiden title in 2025.

For Krunal, however, pressure is something that should energise players rather than burden them.

"Whenever there is extra pressure or a need to perform, that gets me going as an individual," he said. "At the end of the day, nothing really changes. It's just a game."

The experienced all-rounder also highlighted the importance of keeping things simple despite the noise and expectations surrounding title defence campaigns.

Preparing for Tough Situations

Krunal revealed that his mindset has always been built around preparing for adversity rather than comfort.

"I tell myself that if I am working hard, it's not for an easy game," he said. "I want to prepare for a situation where everything is stacked against me and then see how I can still perform."

That mentality, shaped by years of experience and humble beginnings, continues to define his approach in pressure situations.

A Bowler Adapting with the Times

In an IPL era increasingly dominated by batting firepower, Krunal Pandya's evolution reflects a larger truth about T20 cricket - survival belongs to those willing to adapt.

Whether it is introducing bouncers as a spinner, studying batters' scoring areas, or ignoring the fear of small boundaries, Krunal's methods underline the tactical depth modern bowlers now require.

And as IPL 2026 continues to push scoring limits higher, that adaptability may become more valuable than ever.