Krunal Pandya Eyes India Return After RCB Heroics In IPL 2026

Krunal Pandya expressed his desire to return to Team India after guiding RCB to a crucial win with a composed finishing knock.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya delivered a crucial performance under pressure to guide his side to a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Chasing 206, RCB were well set thanks to Virat Kohli’s 81 and Devdutt Padikkal’s 55, but a late wobble created tension in the chase.

Walking in during a crunch moment, Krunal steadied the innings with an unbeaten 23 off 12 balls, sealing the match in style.

Reflecting on the situation, he admitted, “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 was quoted as saying to JioHotstar.

He further highlighted the importance of his experience across roles, adding, “But I’ve been doing this role for a long time, from No. 3 to No. 8. So, whatever experience I have, I try to use it, and I try to be as calm and present as possible in that situation,” he said.

India Comeback Remains Ultimate Goal

Speaking about his long-term aspirations, Krunal made it clear that representing India remains his biggest ambition. He emphasised that consistent performances are the only way forward.

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

The all-rounder also opened up about his mindset in high-pressure scenarios, stating, “I’ve always enjoyed pressure situations. I’ve learned a lot from my life in cricket, because you only have one brain and you use the same brain in life and in sports. So, I’ve always focused on how I can get better as a person, and that is the reason I’m able to play cricket this way.”

Krunal Pandya Adapting to Modern T20 Challenges

Krunal also addressed the evolving nature of T20 cricket, particularly the increasing dominance of batters. He explained how innovation has become essential for bowlers to stay competitive.

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“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 added that adapting to these challenges has pushed him to improve, saying, “So that innovation came from a place of ‘How can I be one step ahead?’ It’s not that I didn’t do it before. Why should fast bowlers have all the fun, right? I think spinners should too. Whatever is happening, it’s good, and people are trying to copy it. So, it’s good to set a trend.”

Krunal further credited RCB’s spin-bowling coach for his growth, stating, “I felt that last year was very good for me, so coming into this season, I was thinking about what else I can add to my bowling. 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. So, that also makes a difference,” he said.