Pandya thrives on pressure as RCB defends IPL title

Key facts

• Krunal Pandya is an all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
• RCB are the defending champions of the IPL in 2026.
• Pandya was instrumental in RCB's 2025 IPL title win, scoring 109 runs and taking 17 wickets.
• He is the first player to win Player of the Match in two IPL finals (2017 and 2025).
• In IPL 2026, Pandya has taken nine wickets in nine games.
• He has developed variations like bouncers and yorkers to counter aggressive batting.
• Pandya has played nearly a decade in the IPL.
• The all-rounder believes pressure situations bring out his best performance.

Defending Champions Under Pressure

Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya acknowledges the significant pressure that comes with defending an Indian Premier League title. As RCB navigates the IPL 2026 season, Pandya stated that the weight of being champions is a key factor driving his individual performance in challenging scenarios. He believes that such high-stakes situations often unlock his best abilities. "Pressure is always there when you play at the highest level, regardless of whether you are defending champions or not," Pandya said. He emphasized his personal philosophy of preparing for difficult moments, noting that "Whenever there is extra pressure or a need to perform, that gets me going as an individual." This mindset, he explained, helps him maintain focus regardless of the team's status. Pandya, a veteran with almost a decade of IPL experience, also highlighted the importance of simplicity and sharing his knowledge with teammates. "At the end of the day, it's about keeping things simple, no matter what the situation is," he stated, underscoring his role as a senior player guiding the squad through the pressures of a title defence.

A Pivotal Role in Championship Glory

Krunal Pandya was a standout performer in RCB's historic IPL 2025 triumph, the franchise's first-ever championship. His contributions were crucial, as he amassed 109 runs with the bat and claimed 17 wickets throughout the tournament. His spell of 2 wickets for 17 runs in the final match earned him the Player of the Match award, sealing RCB's victory. This final performance added another significant distinction to Pandya's career. He now holds the unique record of being the first player in IPL history to secure the Player of the Match award in two separate finals. His previous accolade came in the 2017 season, showcasing his enduring impact on high-pressure deciders. Currently, RCB sits third in the IPL 2026 points table. The team is focused on securing a playoff spot, with their next challenge being a match against the Lucknow Super Giants at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Thursday evening.

Evolving Tactics in a Batter's Game

Pandya has observed a dramatic shift in the IPL over the past decade, noting the increased power-hitting capabilities of modern batters. This evolution, he explained, necessitates a constant adaptation of bowling strategies to remain competitive. "The new-age batters coming in have an insane ability to clear the ropes with ease," Pandya commented. In response, he has consciously added variety to his bowling arsenal, incorporating deliveries such as bouncers and yorkers. This strategic addition was not spontaneous but a "very well thought out plan," designed to exploit the psychological impact of such deliveries on batsmen. Pandya's own experience as a batter provides him with a unique perspective, allowing him to anticipate batsmen's thought processes. "Being a batter myself helps me think like a batter. 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," he said. This proactive approach is key to his sustained relevance in a league increasingly dominated by aggressive batting.

Mastering Dangerous Batters

Facing formidable batsmen like Heinrich Klaasen and Shreyas Iyer presents a significant challenge, but Pandya relies on situational awareness and adaptability. His strategy involves a nuanced approach, determining whether to attack or focus on restricting runs. "My main thought is always about bowling the best possible delivery for that moment," he stated. Pandya understands that against strong hitters, bowling accurate deliveries that limit scoring opportunities is paramount. "The better balls you bowl, the more dot balls you create, and the higher your chances of forcing a mistake." He acknowledges that at times, particularly when a dangerous batter is at the crease, a riskier, wicket-taking approach may be necessary. When confronting players like Iyer, who are adept against spin, Pandya's focus shifts to targeting their less comfortable scoring zones. "How can I make them hit to their weaker areas?" he pondered, illustrating with examples such as forcing a cover-driving batsman to hit towards mid-wicket. This meticulous planning aims to disrupt the batsman's rhythm and exploit their vulnerabilities.

Mental Preparation and Life Lessons

Pandya attributes his ability to perform under pressure not just to cricketing skills but also to life experiences. He believes that life itself often serves as a profound teacher, shaping his mental fortitude. "Sometimes life teaches you more than anything else. But over time, I have always prepared myself for the toughest situations," he explained. His preparation extends to visualizing scenarios where the odds are stacked against him. "I want to prepare for a situation where everything is stacked against me and then see how I can still perform," Pandya said. This mindset stems from a fundamental desire shared by all cricketers: to excel and be decisive when it matters most. He articulated this drive by stating, "Every cricketer wants to do well and be the hero when he steps on the field." For Pandya, the true test of his hard work lies not in easy games, but in his capacity to deliver exceptional performances when facing adversity and do-or-die circumstances.

Season Performance and Future Outlook

In the ongoing IPL 2026 season, Krunal Pandya has been a consistent performer for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He has taken nine wickets in as many matches played so far, maintaining an economy rate of 8.85 and an average of 26.55. With the bat, he has contributed 40 runs. Pandya has also surpassed the milestone of 100 wickets overall in the IPL, adding another significant achievement to his career statistics. His previous IPL stints included playing for the Mumbai Indians and the Lucknow Super Giants, giving him a broad understanding of the league's dynamics. As RCB aims to solidify its playoff position, Pandya's experience and form will be critical. The team's ability to manage the pressure of being defending champions, coupled with Pandya's individual resilience, will be key factors in their campaign for a second consecutive title.

The bottom line

• Krunal Pandya finds that the pressure of defending an IPL title motivates him to perform at his peak.
• He has developed specialized bowling tactics, including bouncers and yorkers, to counter the aggressive batting styles prevalent in modern IPL.
• Pandya's approach to bowling against strong batsmen involves strategic targeting of their weaker scoring areas.
• His mental preparation includes visualizing and training for the most challenging scenarios.
• Pandya is a key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, having played a crucial role in their 2025 IPL victory and continuing to contribute in 2026.
• He holds the distinction of being the first player to win Player of the Match in two separate IPL finals.