Krunal Pandya's Heroic Innings Powers RCB to Dramatic IPL Victory Over MI
In a thrilling IPL 2026 match in Raipur, Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Mumbai Indians by two wickets on the final ball. All-rounder Krunal Pandya delivered a match-winning 73 runs despite severe cramps, rescuing his team from a precarious position. The victory propelled RCB to the top of the standings while eliminating MI from playoff contention. Post-match, Pandya emotionally reflected on his tenure with MI, and Virat Kohli’s inspiring dressing room speech went viral, highlighting the team's resilience and high-stakes competition in the tournament.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Virat Kohli's Fiery Speech Goes Viral After RCB's Dramatic IPL 2026 Win
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a thrilling last-ball victory against Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2026, propelling them to the top of the points table. Despite a disastrous start that saw Virat Kohli dismissed for a golden duck, the team displayed remarkable resilience. Krunal Pandya anchored the chase with a heroic 73 runs despite suffering from severe cramps, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered a stellar all-round performance, taking 4/23 with the ball and hitting a crucial six late in the innings. The win leaves RCB just one victory away from securing a playoff berth. Following the match, Kohli’s emotional dressing room speech went viral, where he praised the team's fighting spirit and specifically highlighted Bhuvneshwar’s world-class execution and Krunal’s reliability under pressure. Kohli emphasized the importance of scrapping for wins in multi-team competitions. Bhuvneshwar, now leading the wicket charts with 21 scalps, attributed his success to confidence and precise execution. The dramatic contest took place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, marking a significant moment in RCB's campaign as defending champions.
yahoo sportsVirat Kohli's Viral Dressing Room Speech Inspires RCB to Dramatic IPL Victory
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) achieved a thrilling last-ball victory against the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, a win that propelled them to the top of the tournament standings. Despite a difficult start to the match and Virat Kohli suffering a golden duck, the team demonstrated exceptional resilience. The turnaround was driven by Krunal Pandya’s heroic innings of 73 runs and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s outstanding bowling performance, which were pivotal in securing the narrow chase. Following the match, a fiery dressing room speech by Virat Kohli, emphasizing the need to fight hard, went viral on social media, highlighting his leadership role despite his personal batting failure. This significant victory brings RCB closer to securing a playoff berth in the competitive league. The event underscores the high stakes and dramatic nature of the IPL season, showcasing how collective team effort and strong leadership can overcome individual setbacks to achieve crucial results in professional cricket.
Times of IndiaVirat Kohli Hails Krunal Pandya's Match-Winning Innings as Best IPL Knock
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a dramatic two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in Raipur during the IPL 2026 season, driven by Krunal Pandya's resilient performance. Despite RCB collapsing to 39/3 in the Powerplay, a scenario where they had previously lost every match this season, Pandya scored an unbeaten 73 off 46 balls. Virat Kohli, who was dismissed for a golden duck, publicly praised Pandya's innings as the best pressure knock he has witnessed in the league. Kohli highlighted Pandya's mental fortitude and physical endurance, noting that the all-rounder continued to attack despite suffering from severe cramps in the final overs. Pandya's back-to-back sixes against AM Ghazanfar in the 18th over proved decisive. The match featured late drama with Jasprit Bumrah's strong bowling and Bhuvneshwar Kumar's crucial hitting, before Rasikh Salam Dar sealed the win on the final ball. Kohli emphasized that Pandya's ability to find solutions without excuses served as a major inspiration for the team, marking a significant turnaround for RCB's campaign.
India Today | Latest StoriesKrunal Pandya's Gritty Knock Powers RCB to Victory Over MI in IPL 2026
In a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match held in Raipur on May 10, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) in a last-ball finish. RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya delivered a match-winning performance, scoring 73 runs off 46 balls despite suffering from severe cramps throughout his innings. His resilience proved crucial after RCB faced a poor start, with star batter Virat Kohli dismissed for a duck. Chasing MI's total of 166/7, RCB required 15 runs in the final over. The victory was secured through sixes by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the winning runs by Rasik Salam Dar. Following the match, Pandya shared an emotional post on Instagram displaying his injury scars, stating that they were proof that fighting for the win was worth it. This significant victory propelled RCB to the top of the points table with 14 points, while simultaneously eliminating Mumbai Indians from playoff contention. The match highlighted Pandya's determination and leadership under pressure, marking a pivotal moment in the tournament's progression.
India Today | Latest StoriesKrunal Pandya Shares Photo of Bruised Stomach After Heroic Innings Against Mumbai Indians
Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Krunal Pandya shared a viral image of a severe bruise on his stomach following a match-winning performance against Mumbai Indians in Raipur during IPL 2026. Battling intense physical pain and cramps, Pandya scored a crucial 73 runs off 46 balls to stabilize RCB's chase after their top order collapsed early. Despite suffering from hamstring and glute cramps that caused him to fall multiple times, he refused retirement, hitting decisive sixes under pressure. His resilience helped RCB secure a narrow two-wicket victory in a last-ball thriller. The post, captioned with a message about scars being proof of fighting for worth, highlighted his determination. Pandya later credited his family, including his late father, for his mental strength and humility. The incident also featured a moment of sportsmanship when MI wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton helped the injured batter to his feet. This performance underscored Pandya's critical role in RCB's success and demonstrated exceptional grit in high-stakes cricket.
India Today | Latest StoriesKrunal Pandya Gets Emotional Recalling Mumbai Indians Days with Pollard and Hardik
Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya became emotional after leading his team to a dramatic last-ball victory against his former franchise, Mumbai Indians, in the Indian Premier League 2026. Playing at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Pandya scored a crucial 73 runs off 46 balls despite suffering from cramps. Following the match, he shared a heartfelt moment with Mumbai’s batting coach and close friend, Kieron Pollard. Pandya reflected on their six years together at MI, describing the trio of himself, Pollard, and his brother Hardik Pandya as the team's engine room. He recalled their final game together in 2021 as a deeply emotional farewell. Praising Pollard as the greatest of all time in the T20 format and a terrific human being, Pandya highlighted the enduring bond they share. He also mentioned Pollard's advice, you cannot keep a good man down, which has supported him through difficult career phases. This victory propelled RCB to the top of the IPL points table, marking a significant personal and professional milestone for Pandya against his former teammates.
The Indian ExpressKrunal Pandya's Viral Scar Photo Highlights RCB's Thrilling Win Over MI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya achieved a heroic match-winning performance against his former team, Mumbai Indians (MI), in a dramatic IPL 2026 encounter. Battling severe cramps that affected his calves, glutes, and back, Pandya scored a resilient 73 runs off 46 balls. His innings rescued RCB from a precarious position of 39/3, steering them toward a last-ball victory. Following the match, a photo of a significant scar incurred during the game went viral on social media, accompanied by Pandya’s caption stating that some scars are proof that fighting was worth it. The win had major tournament implications, propelling RCB to the top of the standings while eliminating MI from playoff contention. Pandya expressed emotional sentiments about facing his former franchise, where he spent six seasons, and praised former teammate Kieron Pollard. Former South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher lauded Pandya’s determination, describing him as a street fighter. The match concluded with a decisive six by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, sealing a two-wicket victory for RCB in Raipur.
Times of IndiaKrunal Pandya Reveals Willpower Behind Gritty Innings Against Cramps in RCB vs MI Clash
Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya attributed his resilient performance against Mumbai Indians to sheer willpower and the critical nature of the match. Despite suffering from severe cramps in both legs, including his calves, hamstrings, and glutes, Pandya refused to leave the field during RCB’s tense two-wicket victory in Raipur. He scored a crucial 73 runs off 46 balls, rescuing his team from a precarious position of 39/3 in their chase of 167. Pandya emphasized that every game matters at this stage of the IPL 2026 season, driving him to fight through physical pain to contribute to the team's success. He described the Raipur pitch as tricky and two-paced, which added to the challenge for batters. Although he had previously rescued RCB from similar situations, such as against Delhi Capitals, he rated this innings higher due to the consistent loss of wickets and heightened pressure. This victory helps RCB edge closer to the playoffs, with their next match scheduled against Kolkata Knight Riders.
The Indian ExpressKrunal Pandya Emotional After RCB's Last-Ball Win Over MI in IPL 2026
In a thrilling conclusion to an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by two wickets on the final ball in Raipur. Chasing a target of 167 runs, RCB found themselves in a precarious position at 39/3 before Krunal Pandya staged a remarkable recovery. Despite suffering from severe cramps, Pandya scored a gritty 73 runs, forming crucial partnerships that kept RCB in the contest. The chase was ultimately sealed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who hit a decisive six to secure the victory. Following the match, an emotional Pandya reflected on his performance and resilience. He paid tribute to his former MI teammate Kieron Pollard, recalling Pollard's advice that one 'can't keep a good man down.' Pandya described Pollard as a 'big brother' figure, highlighting the strong personal bond between the players despite their current team rivalries. This dramatic win underscores the high stakes and intense competition characteristic of the IPL season, with individual performances playing pivotal roles in determining match outcomes.
Times of IndiaKrunal Pandya Emotional After RCB Victory Over MI, Recalls Golden Era with Pollard and Hardik
Krunal Pandya delivered a match-winning performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against his former team, Mumbai Indians (MI), in a dramatic IPL 2026 encounter. Battling severe cramps, the all-rounder scored 73 runs off 46 balls to guide RCB to a two-wicket victory, effectively eliminating MI from the playoff race. Following the win, an emotional Pandya reflected on his six-year tenure with MI, highlighting the special bond he shared with brother Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard during the franchise's championship years. He recalled their final game together in 2021 and praised Pollard as a mentor who often reminded him that 'you can't keep a good man down.' The innings served as a nostalgic reminder of Pandya's crucial role in MI's past successes, including the 2017 and 2020 IPL titles. Despite the change in jersey, Pandya demonstrated the same resilience and ability to perform under pressure that defined his legacy with Mumbai, stabilizing the chase after early wickets and shifting momentum with critical boundaries in the closing overs.
India Today | Latest Stories