Cricket Pressure – Krunal Pandya Embraces Responsibility Ahead of Key IPL Clash
Cricket Pressure – Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya believes the challenge of carrying expectations as defending IPL champions motivates him to raise his performance in difficult moments. The experienced left-arm spinner said pressure is a natural part of elite cricket and something he has learned to handle over the years.
After helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure their maiden IPL title in 2025, Pandya has once again become an important figure for the franchise during the ongoing season.
Champion Expectations Fuel Pandya’s Competitive Spirit
Speaking ahead of Bengaluru’s important league fixture against Lucknow Super Giants at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Pandya admitted that defending a title naturally brings additional scrutiny and expectations. However, he stressed that such situations push him to compete harder rather than create fear or anxiety.
The seasoned all-rounder explained that pressure exists at every level of professional cricket and that players must continue approaching games with the same mindset regardless of external attention. According to Pandya, years of playing top-level cricket have helped him remain calm and focused even during high-stakes matches.
He added that difficult situations often bring out the best version of his game, especially when the team needs experienced players to deliver under pressure.
Key Role in Bengaluru’s Historic IPL Triumph
Pandya played a major part in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful 2025 campaign. He contributed with both bat and ball throughout the tournament, scoring 109 runs and taking 17 wickets during the season. His memorable spell of 2 wickets for 17 runs in the final earned him the Player of the Match award as Bengaluru finally lifted their first IPL trophy.
With that performance, Pandya also achieved a rare milestone by becoming the first cricketer in IPL history to win Player of the Match awards in two separate finals. His earlier final award came during the 2017 season.
The 2026 campaign has been comparatively quieter for the all-rounder statistically, but he continues to provide balance to the side. In nine matches this season, Pandya has collected nine wickets while maintaining a useful presence in the middle overs.
Experience Helping Younger Players
Pandya highlighted the importance of experience in handling tense moments during a long tournament like the IPL. Having spent nearly a decade competing at the highest level, he believes senior players must guide younger teammates and help maintain composure during challenging phases.
The Bengaluru dressing room currently remains focused on strengthening its playoff chances as the tournament approaches its final stage. Positioned among the top teams on the points table, RCB views the upcoming contest against Lucknow as another important opportunity to secure momentum before the knockout phase.
Pandya said keeping things simple remains one of the biggest lessons he has learned throughout his cricket journey. He believes overcomplicating situations often creates unnecessary pressure for players.
Tough Background Shaped His Mentality
The Indian all-rounder also reflected on how personal life experiences helped build his fighting attitude on the field. Coming from a modest background, Pandya said hardships outside cricket taught him resilience and prepared him mentally for difficult sporting situations.
According to him, every professional cricketer dreams of becoming the match-winner for the team. But true character is revealed when conditions become difficult or when the match enters a pressure-filled stage.
Pandya explained that his preparation is centered around expecting difficult scenarios rather than easy contests. He believes training mentally for adverse situations allows him to stay confident when matches become intense.
As Bengaluru prepares for another crucial fixture in its title defense campaign, the franchise will once again look toward experienced performers like Pandya to guide the team through decisive moments.