Not everyone gets broken by pressure; some are revealed because of it. Krunal Pandya was such an example in the IPL 2025 final, when he displayed his calm and clever execution of strategies to get two wickets for just 17 runs to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru claim their maiden title after 18 years. This moment of success was accompanied by emotions, including Virat Kohli’s emotional release, with Pandya being the silent architect of victory, who was able to handle all the pressure successfully, proving that handling pressure is more about clarity than chaos.
In fact, his role in this victory is only a consequence of his years of experience in adjusting and gaining control of himself. Pandya has come through a lot to become what he is now. His evolution continues, shaped by instinct and experience under pressure.
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Krunal Pandya opens up on his relationship with Spin-Bowling Coach Malolan
The unique selling point of Krunal Pandya is his ability to be unpredictable. He never follows a rigid plan in any situation but reads each delivery as it happens. In T20 cricket, since the batsmen tend to go hard right from the beginning of their innings, Pandya plays it differently. He varies his pace, direction, and even employs bouncers, which is unusual for a spinner.
On speaking about his-readiness against opposition batters, he said, โI 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.โ
His unpredictability forces the batsman to think twice about playing any shot. Most importantly, he acts on instincts rather than planning. This is why he is always a step ahead of others. In high-scoring games, his control often slows momentum alongside dramatic breakthroughs.
Handling the Weight of Expectations
However, having a title does come with additional stress. There are increased expectations and heightened scrutiny levels. However, Pandya takes this issue in his stride. He concentrates on technique and mental toughness.
Krunal handles pressure like no-other due to the confidence and experience he possesses as he said, โIโve always enjoyed pressure situations. Iโve 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.โ
According to him, in today’s context of the IPL, bowling has become increasingly difficult due to the flat nature of the pitch. Nevertheless, Pandya has managed to handle this challenge by outthinking himself, converting stressful situations into simpler scenarios. This mindset allows him to contribute steadily rather than chase perfection.
From Supporting Role to Final Specialist
Pandya’s career history makes this calmness understandable since at one point, he was an important player for Mumbai Indians and scored some vital runs in significant matches for the team. At some point, the same happened in a different capacity when he helped RCB clinch their title in the year 2025, but this time with the ball, where he bowled his 4 overs miserly for 17 runs and 2 wickets against Punjab Kings in the all-important final.
The change is indicative of development in the player’s game. In the process, Pandya has evolved from being a batsman to becoming a bowler without compromising on effectiveness. His ability to deliver in finals – across teams and roles – shows a pattern. Big matches do not change his method; they sharpen it.
Quiet Consistency in IPL 2026
In the current IPL 2026 season as well, Pandya holds on to the same stabilizing role. His ability to score runs and take wickets in critical moments makes him important for the team. His wickets in the middle overs and quick runs lower down the order add balance to the side.
Speaking about his role with the bat for RCB against GT in the last match he said, โThere 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 thereโs no continuity, you can suddenly get into a pressure situation.”
However, his importance lies in tactics. He is used as a game-changer instead of a headline-grabber. While RCB is fighting to retain their trophy, Pandya holds an important place among them.
