"VAN" (Sports Desk - 01.04.2026) :: RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya believes the clarity within the Royal Challengers Bengaluru setup has helped the team settle into an even calmer and more confident rhythm following last season’s title-winning campaign.
“I feel that this year there is a much calmer atmosphere. Last year it was a new team, and everyone got to know each other. This year many players understand their roles and each other's strengths and weaknesses.”
Krunal also credited captain Rajat Patidar at the helm.
“Rajat has done a pretty amazing job captaining such a big franchise like RCB in his first season. The way he led the team last year was very special.”
He also highlighted the trust he shares with wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma behind the stumps.
“A lot of credit goes to Jitesh behind the wickets as well. I feel very secure and trust him completely because wherever I bowl, he will grab the ball.”
Reflecting on the connection between the team and its supporters, Krunal said the passion of the RCB fanbase became evident to him soon after joining the franchise.
“Last year, when we played our game against Chennai in the league stage and we were on the bus I thought, People are so crazy about the team, and they want us to do well. We must win the trophy for the fans.”
Krunal also spoke about the example set by Virat Kohli within the group.
“Virat is a classic example you can see that hunger; you can see that passion in how he sees the game and how much he wants that victory.”
“If Virat Kohli had been born in any generation, he would still be one of the greats. He is not competing with anyone else.”
Krunal, who was the Player of the Match in last year’s final, spoke about his own approach to handling pressure during big moments; Krunal said staying present has been key.
“When I get into the big occasions, I feel that if God has got you here, then there is a reason behind it. And sometimes I think that these big occasions are actually made for me. I feel the pressure, but I think about how I can be calm and in the present moment and do what is required”
Krunal believes longevity in the sport depends on evolving with the game.
“What I've realized over a period of time is that to have longevity in any field, whether it's sport, whether it's business, you have to get better and you have to evolve. You can't be the same person or you can't have the same thought process to it.””
He also pointed to the evolution of the IPL over the years.
“Every year IPL is evolving. You know what sort of batsmanship was there in 2016 and what it is in 2026, it's very different. Impact Player has played a massive role in the league in the last 3-4 years and that's why you see so many high-scoring games where now 200, 220 is actually chaseable. The game has gone from consistency to impact.
“At the end of the day what I've realised is that the basics of cricket remain the same. Yeah, I am an instinct player. But I do my research well.”
Despite his success in franchise cricket, Krunal said representing India remains the ultimate ambition.
“At the end of the day nothing beats playing for the country. Whenever I had the opportunity, I felt I performed well in both T20s and ODIs. Even now, representing India remains the ultimate goal.”
He admitted that being away from the national side for a long period has been difficult.
“I am a human being and sometimes it hurts that I have not played for the country for a long time. But it is part of the journey, and you keep doing your job.”
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