Krunal Pandya Adapts Bowling to Evolving IPL Power Game

Key facts

• Krunal Pandya has taken over 100 wickets in his IPL career.
• Pandya has developed a bouncer, a skill typically associated with fast bowlers, to counter aggressive batters.
• He believes the IPL has become a high-intensity power-hitting spectacle.
• Pandya is 35 years old.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are currently third on the points table with six wins from nine games.
• RCB are set to play Lucknow Super Giants on May 7, 2026.
• Pandya previously played for Lucknow Super Giants.

Bowlers Must Evolve in Modern IPL

The Indian Premier League has transformed into a relentless display of aggressive batting, forcing bowlers to constantly innovate. Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Krunal Pandya observes that over the past decade, the striking ability of batters has dramatically increased, with new players possessing an exceptional capacity to hit the ball over the boundary. "The striking ability of batters has changed drastically," Pandya stated. "The new-age batters coming in have an insane ability to clear the ropes with ease." This evolution in batting prowess necessitates a corresponding adaptation from the bowling fraternity. Pandya, a veteran all-rounder, has realised the imperative for bowlers to diversify their attack. To remain competitive in this high-intensity environment, he believes adding variety to their arsenal is no longer optional but essential for survival and success on the pitch.

Developing the Spinner's Bouncer

In response to the escalating power-hitting, Pandya, a spinner, has proactively incorporated a bouncer into his bowling repertoire. This strategic addition, typically a weapon for fast bowlers, was a deliberate and well-thought-out plan to counter the psychological impact on batters. "It was not that I suddenly woke up one day and started bowling bouncers as a spinner. It was a very well thought out plan, understanding what a bouncer does psychologically to a batter," the 35-year-old explained. His ability to think like a batter, stemming from his own experience, allows him to anticipate their moves and execute skills accordingly. This approach aims to stay one step ahead of the opposition, whether by attacking or by stifling runs. Pandya's focus remains on delivering the most effective ball for any given situation, understanding that creating dot balls against dangerous batters increases the likelihood of forcing an error.

Navigating Small Grounds

Bowling on smaller grounds like Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium and Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium presents unique challenges due to short boundaries, which can put immense pressure on bowlers. Pandya, however, refuses to let the dimensions of the field dictate his mindset. He acknowledges that on such grounds, a single errant delivery can easily result in a six. "Sometimes that creates a negative thought when the boundary is small," he admitted. Yet, his strategy is to focus on the quality of his delivery, believing that a well-executed ball will not be easily dispatched, even on a compact field. This clarity of thought is crucial in an era dominated by batting-friendly pitches and smaller grounds. By focusing on bowling his best ball, Pandya aims to maintain confidence and avoid overthinking, even when conditions appear heavily skewed in favour of the batters.

Crucial Encounter Against Former Team

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are preparing for a significant clash against Lucknow Super Giants on May 7, 2026, at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. This match marks their 10th game of the season, with RCB currently positioned third on the points table having secured six wins from nine matches. A victory in Lucknow could propel RCB to a more advantageous position. Pandya, who previously played for Lucknow Super Giants, expressed his sentiment about returning to the city. "It's good to be back over here," he commented. Reflecting on the current stage of the tournament, Pandya emphasized the heightened importance of each moment. "Now every game, every ball matters and it's important now how we hold our nerves, how we take care of our body, how we react in the pressure situation will decide how we will play the game."

Focus on Collective Strength and Basics

Pandya highlighted the collective approach of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad, emphasizing their consistent focus on self-improvement and adherence to fundamental principles. The team's strategy revolves around refining their basic skills and maintaining their current momentum. "As a unit, we have always focused on how we can get better and how we can do our basics right and how we can keep continuing what we are doing," he stated. Looking ahead, Pandya described the upcoming period as a "mini-IPL" for the team, expressing a strong desire to achieve the results that are expected. This outlook underscores RCB's ambition to perform strongly in the latter half of the tournament.

The bottom line

• Krunal Pandya has adapted his bowling to counter the increasing power-hitting in the IPL, notably by developing a bouncer.
• He believes bowlers must add variety to their arsenal to remain competitive in the modern, high-intensity game.
• Pandya employs a clear mental strategy to handle the pressure of bowling on small grounds.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru are in a strong position, aiming for a top spot as they face former team of Pandya, Lucknow Super Giants.
• The team's philosophy centres on continuous improvement and executing basic skills effectively.
• Pandya, at 35, has accumulated over 100 IPL wickets and is a key all-rounder for RCB.