Krunal Pandya was magnificent with the ball for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He took three wickets and was adjudged the Player of the Match after RCB registered a 7-wicket win over the rivals in the first match of the IPL 2025. The hosts were blazing all guns, with Ajinkya Rahane (56) and Sunil Narine (44) putting up more than 100 runs in just 10 overs. Krunal, who went for many runs in his first over during the powerplay, got rid of KKR captain Rahane in the 11th.
He then took the wickets of Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh, the two big batters of KKR. Krunal conceded 29 runs from his four overs and played a key role in restricting the Knight Riders to 174/8 in 20 overs.
Pandya was satisfied with his performance. “Nobody remembers you if you perform in easy matches. I love to bowl on flat tracks and take on tough challenges because it gives you a chance to become a hero,” he said.
“I have a habit of winning trophies, and the goal is the same here. Not many people know, but I have worked on my bowling in domestic cricket. Playing regular matches in domestic tournaments helps you understand your game and what you need to do as a player. It is nice to start on a winning note, and hopefully, we will continue with the same momentum in the upcoming matches,” he added.
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