Krunal Pandya: RCB's title pressure 'gets me going' in IPL 2026
Synopsis
Krunal Pandya frames RCB's title defence not as burden but as fuel. The left-arm spinner, who was pivotal in the 2025 championship run, says pressure at the highest level sharpens focus — and he thrives when stakes are highest. As RCB fights to stay in playoff contention from third place, Pandya's mindset may be the difference between a repeat title and an early exit.
Key Takeaways
Krunal Pandya said defending the IPL 2026 title drives him to perform best in high-pressure situations.
He was instrumental in RCB's first-ever IPL championship in 2025 , with 109 runs and 17 wickets .
Pandya won the Player of the Match award in the 2025 final with figures of 2 for 17 .
He is the first player in IPL history to win Player of the Match in two separate finals ( 2017 and 2025 ).
In IPL 2026, Pandya has 9 wickets in 9 games at 26.55 average; RCB sits third on the table.
Krunal Pandya, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's left-arm spin all-rounder, said on Wednesday that defending the IPL 2026 title fuels his drive to excel in high-pressure moments. Speaking ahead of RCB's clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Pandya underscored how championship responsibility sharpens individual performance rather than weighing the side down.
Standout 2025 campaign and record
Pandya was instrumental in RCB's first-ever IPL title win last year, amassing 109 runs and claiming 17 wickets across the tournament. He delivered a match-winning performance in the final with figures of 2 for 17, earning the Player of the Match award. Notably, Pandya became the first player in IPL history to win the Player of the Match award in two separate finals — 2017 and 2025.
Current form in IPL 2026
In the ongoing season, Pandya has picked up 9 wickets across 9 games at an average of 26.55 and an economy rate of 8.85. With the bat, he has contributed 40 runs. RCB currently sits at third place in the points table heading into Thursday's encounter against Lucknow.
How pressure drives performance
"Pressure is always there when you play at the highest level, regardless of whether you are defending champions or not," Pandya said on JioStar's 'Superstars' episode. "Whenever there is extra pressure or a need to perform, that gets me going as an individual." He stressed that the fundamentals remain unchanged: approaching each match with clarity and simplicity, whether as title holders or challengers.
Experience and mental preparation
Drawing on nearly a decade at the highest level, Pandya attributed his resilience to life lessons and deliberate preparation for adversity. "Every cricketer wants to do well and be the hero when he steps on the field. I feel that when the stakes are high, when things are not going your way, or it is a do-or-die situation, that brings out something special in me," he explained. He added that his preparation stems from humble beginnings and a mindset geared toward performing when "everything is stacked against" him.
RCB's title defence trajectory
With RCB third on the table, the side will look to consolidate its playoff position against Lucknow on Thursday evening. Pandya's dual role — both as a senior voice and a match-winner in tight situations — will be pivotal as the defending champions navigate the business end of the season.
Point of View
And defending it from third place — with Pandya as a key pillar — is a sterner test than the novelty of last year. His decade of experience matters, but so does the law of averages. One exceptional season does not guarantee another. The pressure is real, and whether it 'gets him going' or weighs on him will determine if this is a one-off or the start of a dynasty.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Krunal Pandya's role in RCB's 2025 IPL championship win?
Krunal Pandya was a standout performer in RCB's first-ever IPL title win in 2025, amassing 109 runs and taking 17 wickets across the tournament. He delivered a match-winning performance in the final with figures of 2 for 17, earning the Player of the Match award.
How many finals Player of the Match awards has Krunal Pandya won?
Krunal Pandya has won the Player of the Match award in two separate IPL finals: 2017 and 2025. He is the first player in IPL history to achieve this distinction.
What are Krunal Pandya's statistics in IPL 2026 so far?
In IPL 2026, Krunal Pandya has picked up 9 wickets in 9 games at an average of 26.55 with an economy rate of 8.85. He has contributed 40 runs with the bat.
How does Krunal Pandya approach the pressure of being a defending champion?
Pandya views pressure as a performance driver rather than a burden. He said that extra pressure and high-stakes situations bring out something special in him. He emphasizes keeping things simple and approaching each match the same way, regardless of title-defending status.
When and where will RCB face Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026?
RCB will face Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday evening at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. RCB currently sits at third place on the IPL 2026 points table.
