With each legs cramping, each run changing into a battle, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) trying to finish a two-game dropping run, Krunal Pandya refused to stroll off.
The all-rounder scored 73 off 46 balls, rescuing RCB from 39/3 and taking them to the doorstep of victory towards Mumbai Indians earlier than falling late within the 167-run chase in Raipur on Sunday.
However after the match, Krunal revealed the bodily toll the innings had taken as RCB edged nearer to the IPL 2026 playoffs with a tense two-wicket win.
“Clearly, afterward, cramps have been very, very painful. I imply, it began from calf, hamstring, glutes and each legs. I used to be cramping,” Krunal stated after the sport.
“However once more, I used to be very clear that I’m not going to exit. I’ll combat by way of that ache, and I’ll ensure that no matter I can contribute for the group, I’ll do it.”
ALSO READ | RCB on high after Bhuvneshwar’s masterclass and Krunal’s rearguard
Krunal stated the significance of the fixture on the enterprise finish of the season pushed him to proceed regardless of bodily discomfort.
Story continues under this advert
“Plus, this was a really, very essential recreation for us. Particularly on the fag finish of the event, each recreation issues,” he stated.
“So it was very clear that I’ll combat by way of that ache and ensure that no matter and whichever approach I can contribute, I’ll contribute in that.”
Requested how he managed to proceed regardless of extreme cramps, Krunal stated it got here right down to mentality and his consolation in stress conditions.
“I imply, sheer willpower, I’ll say,” he stated.
“Once more, in the event you see over a time frame how I’ve performed my cricket, I’ve at all times performed with out giving up, and I at all times cherish these powerful conditions. It was sheer willpower and braveness that I didn’t need to quit,” he added.
Story continues under this advert
This isn’t the primary time Krunal has rescued RCB from a precarious place. He had beforehand taken them to a win towards Delhi Capitals from 25/3, however rated Sunday’s innings greater.
“I imply, sure, final yr, an identical scenario at 25/3, and I went batting. Each conditions have been the identical. Clearly, it turns into simpler when Virat Kohli is on the different finish, which at all times helps you. However that too was a troublesome wicket and scenario. However this is a bit more particular as a result of we have been constantly dropping wickets. And there was extra stress. And the timing, we have been taking part in the eleventh recreation, it was a vital match to win, and in the event you contribute something in a profitable trigger, it’s particular,” he stated.
Krunal added that the floor in Raipur was removed from simple.
“Clearly, the wicket was barely tough. It was barely two-paced,” he stated.
Story continues under this advert
“As you noticed, for all 40 overs, it was barely more difficult for batters.”
RCB had misplaced three early wickets earlier than Krunal rebuilt the innings by way of the center overs.
“Once I went in, clearly, I used to be below stress. We misplaced three fast wickets,” he stated.
Bonds which might be ❤️🫂💙
🎥 Heartwarming phrases from Krunal Pandya that hit you proper within the feels as he remembers his time at @mipaltan 🫶#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RCBvMI | @krunalpandya24 | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/ifNpKSRnU3
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 10, 2026
“However my plan was easy. If I constructed the innings from there and put us in a very good place, we’d be capable of get the end result we needed.”
RCB subsequent tackle the Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur on Wednesday.