Krunal Pandya Battles Cramps in Heroic 73 to Knock Mumbai Indians Out of IPL 2026
Raipur: Krunal Pandya delivered a bruising, match-winning performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against his former franchise, the Mumbai Indians (MI), securing a dramatic last-ball victory in the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The all-rounder’s gritty 73 off 46 balls rescued the defending champions from a top-order collapse and propelled them to the top of the points table.
Match Summary: RCB vs MI
Chasing a competitive target of 167 on a tricky Raipur surface, RCB found themselves in early trouble at 39 for 3. Pandya stabilized the innings through critical middle-order partnerships before severe cramps hindered his mobility.
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match | RCB vs MI, IPL 2026 |
| Venue | Raipur |
| Target | 167 runs |
| Krunal Pandya Score | 73 (46 balls) |
| Result | RCB won by 2 wickets |
Battling Physical Distress for RCB
Pandya’s innings featured five sixes and four boundaries. As the match progressed, he struggled with severe cramping that started in his calf and spread to his glutes and back. Following the game, he took to social media to share a photo of a prominent scar sustained during the chase.
“Some scars are proof that it was worth fighting for,” Pandya posted on Instagram, underscoring the physical toll of the innings.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pandya emphasized his preference for high-pressure scenarios. “I obviously love tough situations and I always prepare and look forward to those,” he stated. Despite his inability to finish the game himself, he praised teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who hit a last-ball six to seal the two-wicket victory. Pandya called Kumar’s finishing strike the “shot of the match.”
Eliminating Former Allies
The fixture carried heavy emotional weight for Pandya, who spent six highly successful seasons with the Mumbai Indians. The result officially eliminated MI from playoff contention while securing RCB’s position at the top of the ESPNcricinfo standings.
Pandya reflected on his tenure with MI, specifically praising batting coach Kieron Pollard. “Polly is my big brother. I had my best six years at MI. Kieron Pollard and the Pandya brothers were the engine room,” he noted, referencing the core group that dominated the BCCI-backed tournament during their peak years.
Praise from the Dugout
Former South African wicketkeeper and current cricket analyst Mark Boucher commended Pandya’s resilience. Boucher described the RCB all-rounder as a “street fighter,” noting his refusal to retire hurt despite visible physical distress.
Key Turning Points
- RCB collapsed to 39/3 early in the powerplay.
- Krunal Pandya anchored the recovery with Jacob Bethell and Jitesh Sharma.
- Pandya scored 73 runs off 46 balls while managing acute cramps.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar secured the win with a six on the final delivery.