“Why Should Fast Bowlers Have All the Fun?”: Krunal Pandya Opens Up After Match-Winning Role for RCB

Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya reflected on his match-winning contribution against Gujarat Titans, crediting innovation and experience for helping him stay effective in pressure situations during IPL 2026.

Krunal played a key role in RCB's five-wicket win, stepping into a tense chase scenario and later speaking about the evolving demands of modern T20 cricket and the need for spinners to stay ahead of batters.

Krunal Pandya reflects on pressure situation during chase

Krunal admitted that walking in to bat during the chase was not straightforward, especially after limited opportunities with the bat earlier in the season.

He highlighted how lack of continuity can increase pressure, but said his experience across multiple batting positions helped him stay composed.

"There was pressure. Obviously, this was the 7th or 8th match, and before this game, I had played only two innings with the bat. Sometimes, when there's no continuity, you can suddenly get into a pressure situation," Krunal said.

He added that his adaptability across roles - from No. 3 to No. 8 - has been central to his approach.

"I've been doing this role for a long time. Whatever experience I have, I try to use it, and I try to be as calm and present as possible in that situation," he explained.

Krunal Pandya explains innovation mindset behind his bowling

One of the key talking points from Krunal's performance was his continued experimentation with variations, a response to the rapidly evolving nature of T20 batting.

He acknowledged that modern batters force bowlers to constantly rethink their strategies.

"Every year batting is evolving at such a pace that you genuinely feel, while standing on your mark, 'Where will you bowl?' Because you feel like the batter can hit you anywhere," he said.

Krunal emphasised that innovation was not optional but necessary to remain competitive at the highest level.

"Why should fast bowlers have all the fun, right? I think spinners should too," he added, suggesting that spin bowlers must also embrace creativity and variation.

Spin coach backing played key role in Krunal's development

Krunal credited RCB's spin-bowling support staff, particularly spin coach Malolan Rangarajan, for encouraging him to experiment with new ideas.

He noted that being given freedom to explore different deliveries boosted his confidence and allowed him to refine his skills.

"A lot of credit goes to our spin-bowling coach, Malolan, who has left me free. He has backed me a lot and gave me confidence. That also makes a difference," Krunal said.

He added that strong performances in the previous season motivated him to further expand his bowling toolkit ahead of IPL 2026.

Krunal Pandya keeps India comeback dream

Despite focusing on his IPL performances, Krunal admitted that representing India again remains a major personal goal.

He stressed that consistent performances at the franchise level remain the only factor within his control.

"There's nothing bigger than playing in the blue jersey once again. My goal has always been to play for India," he said.

"But what do I have in my control? Consistent performances and how I win games for my team - that's what I try to focus on."

Krunal's role growing in RCB's strong IPL 2026 campaign

Krunal's ability to handle pressure situations with both bat and ball continues to strengthen his role within the RCB setup.

With T20 cricket demanding constant tactical evolution, his focus on adaptability and innovation reflects the broader shift among all-rounders aiming to stay relevant in the modern game.

His recent performance against Gujarat Titans highlighted not just his experience, but also his willingness to evolve - a combination that remains vital in a format where margins are increasingly narrow.