- June 4, 2025
Let’s keep it real—when you’re talking about the stars for RCB in their first IPL title-winning run, that cute big head of yours is probably shouting Kohli, Hazlewood, or Salt. Fair enough. But among all that star power, Krunal Pandya had one of the best and most understated campaigns in IPL 2025. It wasn’t just what he was doing, though; it was that he turned the whole campaign for RCB. Whether it was his insane economy rate or the massive English wicket in that final, Krunal showed that experience can wreak havoc. So, what did he get right? Let’s break it down.
The Master of Mind Games: Using Experience to Outsmart the Opposition
Krunal Pandya doesn’t need flash to make an impact—he lets his game intelligence do the talking. While others charge in with brute force or swing for the stands, Krunal plays a different game—one of patience, precision, and purpose. In the high-stakes cauldron of the IPL 2025 final, he delivered a masterclass in control and strategy, finishing with 2 for 17 and stacking up 12 dot balls. That kind of spell doesn’t just slow a chase—it chokes the momentum, especially when every run feels like a lifeline.
His secret? With over muscles. The expert panel bleated in their review, and he leaned on his final experience. He kept it simple. Read the pitch, adjusted his lengths, and then played with the batters’ expectations. Krunal varied his speed with precision, often following a tossed-up delivery with a quick one that skidded on. The batters were unsettled. His wicket of English — Punjab’s most dangerous hitter on the night — was pure cricket IQ. One slower delivery outside off, egging on the big shot. Gone. The match tilted.
A Calm Presence in a Sea of Chaos
RCB’s greatest foe over the years has been panic under pressure. That’s where Krunal’s vibe showed so much value when it came to bringing attention to things that mattered. He not only brought all the needed skills, but he also brought calmness and clarity to high-pressure moments. The dressing room was lively and buzzing (rightfully so), however, every title-winning group needs at least one player to keep the chaos to a minimum.
Krunal played that role beautifully throughout the playoffs, and particularly during the finals. He was bowling tighter than anyone else in those overs, but it wasn’t the tight overs that mattered as much as the way he slowed the game down when it was needed most, disrupting the rhythm of Punjab. Even after Kyle Jamieson had gone for 23 in the 17th over, Krunal came on immediately after and reset the pace and gave away nothing.
Hats off to the RCB management for supporting him as a middle-overs enforcer. RCB previously has been sad to say it, but they often do not have an anchor in their bowling attack after the powerplay is over. Krunal was that quietly brilliant competitive edge.
Not Just a Bowler: The Unsung Tactician
Krunal has a tactical mind that RCB embraced. The captain, Patidar’s thoughts on field placements, bowler match-ups, and reading the opposition were key moments in decision-making. He may not have made headlines with the bat, but Krunal Pandya’s influence was felt in every huddle and high-pressure moment. A true tactician, he played the game like a grandmaster—always a few steps ahead.
So, when you list RCB’s match-winners from IPL 2025, don’t forget Krunal. In a league full of fireworks, he was the spark that lit the fuse. What other unsung heroes do you think changed the outcome of this IPL season without anyone giving them due credit? Let us know in the comments—let’s give these quiet legends some love.
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