Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star spinner Krunal Pandya warned batters after bowling out Punjab Kings (PBKS) on 157 runs in the 37th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
Krunal revealed that it's tough for batters to play on slower balls. Krunal believes that the powerplay is crucial for the Bengaluru-based franchise.
"Pretty good effort. The way they started in powerplay, they put us under pressure. From that position to restrict them to 157 was a great effort. What I realised when the fast bowlers bowled, pace-on deliveries were much easier to face. I realised on this wicket, the slower you bowl, it's difficult for batters. We have to bat really well. Powerplay becomes crucial. If we bat to our potential, we can chase this down" said Krunal Pandya during mid-inning.
RCB spinners Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma bowled great spells to restrict PBKS to an under-par 157 for six in 20 overs. The spin duo Krunal (2/25) and leg-spinner Suyash (2/27) were lethal after RCB opted to field in Punjab.
PBKS, who were off to a good start with Priyansh Arya (22) and Prabhsimran Singh (33) adding 42 runs in 4.2 overs, failed to continue the momentum. After openers dominating the start, Krunal Pandya came to bowl and immediately fetched the desired result, getting rid of Arya, who could not time the shot well of a slower delivery. Tim David took a simple catch at the edge of the circle. After that, PBKS lost three wickets in the space of 14 runs, the hosts were 76 for four, and Nehal Wadhera’s horrific run out added to their misery.
While writing this copy, PBKS star speedster Arshdeep Singh picked up Phil Salt's wicket in the powerplay. Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli are building a partnership.