Cricket Is Evolving, You Have To Up Your Game: Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya had a debut to remember for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the first game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on March 23 (Sunday). The left-arm spinner claimed 3/29 and helped RCB defeat KKR by seven wickets. 

“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,” said Krunal after being named Player of the Match.

“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. 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?”

RCB captain Rajat Patidar praised his bowling unit for bringing them back into the game after KKR were 107/2 at the end of 10 overs. KKR could only manage 67 runs in the last 10 overs and lost six wickets. 

“There was pressure, but it was a good day for me. If we keep winning like this, it will be a good day. All credit goes to the bowlers, from 13 overs, they showed courage and determination. The mindset of taking wickets was really amazing,” said Patidar.

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane also admitted that his team lost the plot after being 141/4 in 14 overs. “I thought we were going well till the 13th over, but 2-3 wickets changed the momentum. Batters that followed tried their best but didn't workout. 

“When myself and Venky (Venkatesh Iyer) were batting we were discussing that 200-210 was achievable but those wickets changed the momentum. Little bit of dew was there but they had a very good powerplay with the bat. It (total) was under par. We were looking for 200 plus.”