With a career marked by reliability and adaptability, he finished with figures of 4-0-29-3 after a shaky start, proving his worth as a key asset in RCB’s spin attack. This article explores seven critical aspects of Krunal’s performance and bowling strategy that highlight why RCB’s spinners, led by him, were victorious against KKR.
Consistency: A Hallmark of Krunal’s IPL Career
Krunal Pandya’s consistency sets him apart in the IPL. Over nine full seasons, his economy rate has ranged from an impressive 6.82 (2017) to a high of 7.98 (2021), never crossing the eight-run mark that has occasionally plagued peers like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. This reliability is remarkable in a format where spinners are often targeted, especially on slight grounds.
His overall IPL numbers rival those of international left-arm spinners, reflecting his skill and game awareness. Whether bowling in the powerplay or middle overs, Krunal maintains control, making him a dependable option for RCB. This consistency stems from his disciplined lines, lengths, and ability to adapt, ensuring he remains a tricky bowler to dominate year after year.
Facing Pressure: Krunal’s Early Challenge Against KKR
Krunal faced a stern test when RCB handed him the ball in the fifth over against KKR, with Sunil Narine at the crease. Despite a slow start, Narine pounced on Krunal’s first ball, smashing a six-over long-on, while Ajinkya Rahane added two fours, making it a costly 15-run over. This moment tested Krunal’s resolve as KKR looked to capitalize on his left-arm spin.
However, his mental toughness shone through. Instead of crumbling under pressure, he regrouped, sticking to his plan. This ability to stay composed after a rough start underlines why RCB trusts him in high-stakes situations, setting the stage for his eventual match-defining contribution.
The Comeback: Turning the Tide Against KKR
After a disastrous first over, Krunal Pandya staged a remarkable recovery. Returning with KKR at 107 for 2 in 10 overs, he struck in his second over, dismissing Rahane with a well-directed short ball that cramped the batsman for room. He followed this by outsmarting Venkatesh Iyer with a quick delivery that rattled the stumps, and later, he bowled Rinku Singh with a fast, straight ball.
From 1-0-15-0, he finished with 4-0-29-3, showcasing his adaptability and resilience. This turnaround was pivotal, breaking KKR’s momentum and proving Krunal’s ability to shift gears, a key reason behind RCB’s spin success in the match as India did against Australia in CT 2025.
Unlike traditional spinners who rely on flight, Krunal uses pace as a lethal tool. Bowling at speeds often exceeding 100 kph—faster than most IPL spinners—he limits batsmen’s reaction time. Against KKR, deliveries clocked between 98-103 kph disrupted their rhythm, making it challenging to hit boundaries.
This pace, especially on flat pitches, reduces the margin for error for batsmen, forcing them into risky shots. Krunal’s quick deliveries, often aimed at the stumps, double as yorkers or hard-to-hit balls, giving him an edge in the middle overs. This unconventional approach is a cornerstone of his success and RCB’s spin strategy.
Variations: The Element of Surprise
Krunal’s ability to mix pace with subtle variations keeps batsmen guessing. In the KKR match, he bowled a bouncer to Venkatesh Iyer—called broad but unsettling enough to prompt a helmet change—before dismissing him with a quick stock ball. His arm ball and occasional slower deliveries add unpredictability to his primarily fast bowling style.
Though sparingly used, these surprises are timed perfectly to disrupt batsmen’s plans, as seen with Iyer’s stumps-uprooting dismissal. By blending his rapid pace with unexpected changes, Krunal ensures he’s never easy to read, even batsmen like Ajinkya Rahane. This enhanced his effectiveness and contributed significantly to RCB’s spin dominance as India dominated in a series against Zimbabwe after the initial loss in Harare in 2024.
Brilliant Bowling: Keeping Percentages in His Favor
Krunal’s success hinges on intelligent bowling that tilts the odds in his favor. He targets stump-to-stump lines briskly, forcing batsmen to take risks to score. Against KKR, this approach led to Rahane’s mistimed pull and Iyer’s inside edge as they struggled against his awkward lengths and speed as New Zealand struggled against the Indian spin in CT 2025.
Even when hit, it’s often due to batsmen’s gambles rather than loose deliveries. This calculated strategy shines at high-scoring venues like Chinnaswamy, where his economy rate is an impressive 6.58 over seven games. Krunal’s percentage play makes him a survivor in T20 cricket, bolstering RCB’s spin attack.
Predictable Yet Unpredictable: The Winning Formula
Krunal’s brilliance lies in blending predictability with the unexpected. Batsmen anticipate his quick, stump-threatening deliveries, but he throws in surprises—like the bouncer to Iyer or the fastball that bowled Rinku Singh—keeping them off balance. This duality creates hesitation, which is crucial in T20s, where aggression is key.
Against KKR, he established his pace early, then used variations to trigger mistakes, finishing with three wickets. This mix of reliable stock balls and occasional curveballs exemplifies his artistry, making him a nightmare for batsmen and a vital cog in RCB’s victorious spin wheel on opening night.
Conclusion
Krunal Pandya’s match-winning performance against KKR on the opening night of IPL 2025 underscores his mastery as a spinner. His consistency, mental strength, and strategic blend of pace and variation turned a potential disaster into a triumph, finishing with 3 for 29.
He proved why RCB’s spinners succeeded where others might have faltered by keeping percentages in his favor and adapting to high-scoring conditions. As the season unfolds, Krunal’s role as RCB’s spin leader will be pivotal, offering hope for a campaign built on resilience and skill.
