Former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble showered praise on Krunal Pandya after RCB registered a six-wicket win against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Sunday. Krunal Pandya bagged the Player of the Match after he scored a match-winning unbeaten knock of 73 runs off 47 balls. The southpaw smashed five fours and four sixes in the run-chase of 163. 

Furthermore, Pandya returned with figures of 1-28 in his quota of four overs, accounting for experienced Faf du Plessis.

Pandya joined forces with Virat Kohli when RCB were struggling at 26-3 but the duo were able to steady the ship. The right and left-hand batting pair added 119 runs for the fourth wicket to put their team in the driver’s seat.

“I think his judgment of the situation was excellent. When he walked in, RCB were 26 for 3. He knew he had to build a partnership with Virat Kohli, which he did once he settled in. When the spinners came on, he backed himself to attack if the ball was in his arc, and it worked because he was playing well and understood the pitch and conditions. It was an excellent knock,” Kumble told ESPNcricinfo.

“Clearly, the RCB management wanted Krunal to step up. This situation was similar to how things unfolded at Chinnaswamy Stadium during their first three games, where they struggled to put a team performance together. It was crucial that someone built a partnership, and Krunal put his hand up,” Kumble added.

Pandya has consistently delivered for RCB in the ongoing season, especially with the ball. The left-arm orthodox spinner has scalped 13 wickets in 10 matches in IPL 2025.

RCB will next take on Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on 9th May.