Krunal Pandya's ‘24 Carat Gold’ performance powers RCB to maiden IPL glory

Krunal Pandya's ‘24 Carat Gold’ performance powers RCB to maiden IPL glory (BCCI Photo)

The age-old adage that experience is irreplaceable rang true once again on the night of the IPL final. Veteran all-rounder and multiple-time IPL champion Krunal Pandya delivered when it mattered most. Drawing on years of big-match experience, Krunal produced a match-defining spell, conceding just 17 runs and taking two key wickets in his four overs — on a high-scoring pitch, no less.

Against a Punjab Kings side that had recently chased down 200-plus runs against Mumbai Indians, and at a venue known for favouring batters, Krunal’s performance stood out as a masterclass in control and composure. It was a heroic effort from a player who knows how to show up when the stakes are highest.

Although he couldn’t provide the finishing touch with the bat, Krunal more than made up for it with a brilliant spell of bowling. Out of the 24 deliveries he sent down, half were dot balls — 12 moments of pressure that proved priceless against a deep and explosive Punjab Kings batting lineup.

IPL 2025 final: Tempo questionable, but Virat Kohli assessed the conditions right

PBKS, who had batted superbly in Ahmedabad throughout the season, found themselves strangled by Krunal’s control. His two wickets were both set batters — Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis. Inglis, in particular, was looking dangerous before Krunal outfoxed him with subtle changes in pace.

Remarkably, his entire four-over spell conceded just one boundary. It was during this stretch that the game decisively swung in RCB’s favour.

Such was the impact of Krunal Pandya’s spell in the final that it prompted Virat Kohli to declare, "His spell will be remembered for a long, long time." It wasn’t just Kohli singing his praises. While analysing his bowling during commentary, former India head coach Ravi Shastri dubbed Krunal “24 carat gold”, highlighting the precision and control he brought to the high-pressure clash.

Even opposition skipper Shreyas Iyer couldn’t help but acknowledge Krunal’s brilliance. “They bowled brilliantly, especially Krunal. He carries a lot of experience — he has done it over a period of time,” Iyer said during the post-match presentation.

Watch: Virat Kohli breaks down, hugs Anushka Sharma as RCB win first IPL trophy in 18 years

The hallmark of Krunal’s spell was his smart use of pace and variation in length. Bowling consistently around the 90 kmph mark, he deceived the PBKS batters with clever changes in speed. When the opener charged down to clear the ropes, Krunal held back the slowest delivery in his arsenal, outsmarting him with guile rather than pace.

This season has arguably been Krunal’s finest in the IPL in terms of wickets. His performance in the final earned him the Player of the Match award — a stage he is no stranger to. This was his second such honour in an IPL final, the first coming back in 2017 when he scored a vital 47 off 38 balls to help Mumbai Indians lift the trophy against Rising Pune Supergiants.

Having already won three IPL titles, Krunal was snapped up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 5.75 crore at the 2025 mega auction. From winning the Player of the Match award in the season opener to repeating the feat in the final, Krunal’s campaign came full circle — repaying every bit of faith the franchise placed in him.