The first win of IPL 2025 for RCB came in an authoritative fashion, courtesy of a complete team effort. “Why should fast bowlers have all the fun?” Krunal Pandya said after the victory against KKR. The RCB all-rounder played a pivotal role in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite going for 15 runs in his first over, Pandya came back strongly to finish with 3/29 after 4 overs.
After losing an early wicket, KKR fought back strongly to score 107 by the end of 10 overs. With a destructive batting lineup to follow, the Knight Riders were set up to go for a big 200+ score. However, RCB constantly took wickets at regular intervals to stop the flow of runs. Krunal Pandya played a key role in the progressive demolition of the KKR batting lineup.
The RCB counter-attack led by Krunal Pandya
Krunal opened up about his approach to fight back after an expensive first over. In the post match interview (via RCB website) he said “When you play against so much crowd, I had to narrow down my focus. If I get hit, I had to get hit off a good ball, glad that I could deliver. You have to go with the flow, how cricket is evolving. Batters have the skill-set to hit sixes consistently. You also have to up your game, have to make sure I bowl quicker. Change of pace is associated with pacers but also I tried it.”
The key dismissals
After dismissing the set batter Ajinkya Rahane, Pandya then baffled Venkatesh Iyer. Venky prefers to face spin bowling without his helmet. However, Krunal welcomed the KKR record buy with a big bouncer! That ball scared Iyer into wearing his helmet again. That sudden disruption of play shook Iyer up. Krunal then bowled a quick 103 kmph ball that went past Iyer’s defence to shatter the stumps.
Jitesh Sharma, the wicket-keeper did well to behind the stumps and read Krunal Pandya’s varities. When asked whether Krunal gives any signal to the keeper before bowling a bouncer, he gave an interesting reply. “Now Jitesh knows what I will do, if it’s a wide yorker or a bouncer, if you have something in your armoury, why not use it” he said.
Rinku Singh was next in line. Famous for his finishing ability, Rinku came at the perfect time in the 13th over with the score at 125/4. However, it was not long before Krunal sent his stumps flying too. Iyer 6(7) and Rinku 12(10) caused a major dent to KKR’s chance of a big score.
Rest of the RCB bowling attack join the party
After KP’s breakthrough spell, the bowling department followed Pandya’s lead to continue taking wickets at regular intervals and restrain KKR to just 174. Krunal’s key impact at the right time came in handy to turn the match in RCB’s favor. The southpaw deservedly earned himself the Player of the match for his efforts under pressure.
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RCB vs KKR: As it happened, RCB’s incredible comeback
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