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Krunal Pandya Reveals Virat Kohli's Advice During Match-Winning Knock vs DC

Krunal Pandya revealed that Virat Kohli advised him to "hold his shape" during his match-winning unbeaten 73 against Delhi Capitals last year. He discussed his debut season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he won his fourth IPL title. Pandya also shared his memorable RCB debut against KKR in IPL 2025, where he took 3/29. The all-rounder credited his calm approach and team support for the successful innings.

Key Points: Krunal Pandya on Virat Kohli's Advice in DC Win

  • Krunal Pandya credits Virat Kohli for advice during 73* vs DC
  • He won his fourth IPL title with RCB last season
  • Made memorable RCB debut with 3/29 vs KKR in IPL 2025
  • Bought by RCB for Rs 5.75 crore ahead of IPL 2025
3 min read

"Virat was telling me to hold my shape": Krunal Pandya on his match-winning knock against DC last year

Krunal Pandya shares how Virat Kohli guided him during his match-winning 73* against DC, his RCB debut, and winning the IPL title last season.

"Virat was telling me, 'Just keep holding your shape, we will do it.' - Krunal Pandya"

Bengaluru, April 27

After representing a couple of franchises in the Indian Premier League, Krunal Pandya won his fourth title as a player last year, his first with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and went on to have his personal best season.

Speaking on JioStar's 'The Krunal Pandya Experience', the RCB All-rounder shared his thoughts on his debut season with the franchise, playing against MI at the Wankhede Stadium, and the emotions after winning the title.

Talking about his match-winning unbeaten knock of 73 against DC in Delhi last year, Pandya said, "The wicket was a little tricky that day. In the IPL, most wickets are flat, but that one in Delhi was holding a bit. I gave away just 28 runs in my spell, bowled slower balls, used the surface, and got Faf du Plessis out. When you have bowled on a wicket, you have an idea of how it is playing when you come out to bat. I had not batted much before that innings because our top order was doing so well, and I walked in at 20 for 3."

"It was around our seventh or eighth game, and I had hardly batted in the tournament. We were under pressure at that point. Virat was telling me, 'Just keep holding your shape, we will do it.' In my first 17-18 balls, I did not score much, but I knew we had power hitters like Tim David, Romario, and Jitesh behind me, so if we took the game deep, we would be in it. Once I got set, I started playing my shots, and everything fell into place," he added.

Krunal made a memorable debut for RCB against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2025 season opening night. After conceding 15 runs in his first over, he made a comeback to finish with figures of 3 for 29, earning Player of the Match honours. He was bought by RCB for Rs 5.75 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season.

On his RCB debut against KKR, Pandya said, "I was very excited to play my first match. The opening ceremony had just happened. I remember Shah Rukh sir was on stage, and the crowd was chanting. I thought, 'Wow, if we win this match here, it will be fun.' I bowled my first over in the Powerplay and gave away 15 runs. I was like, 'What is happening?' KKR were 110 in 10 overs; they were scoring quickly, and I told myself that I had to make a comeback. In my next over, it was the 11th, I got Ajinkya Rahane out at deep square leg. Then Venkatesh Iyer was batting without a helmet, so I thought I would bowl a bouncer, and he got the helmet back quickly. After that, I bowled a quick second ball, and he got bowled. That is something fast bowlers do."

Krunal served as a crucial spin-bowling all-rounder, taking 17 wickets and scoring 109 runs to help RCB win their maiden IPL title the previous year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's great to see Krunal getting the recognition he deserves. His first over against KKR was rough, but the way he bounced back shows real mental strength. Also, the advice from Virat Kohli about holding one's shape is pure gold—that's a lesson in staying calm under pressure. 👏
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Vikram M
Krunal's journey in the IPL is fascinating—from being a key player for MI to becoming a crucial part of RCB's title-winning campaign. His thoughts on using the surface and the pitch awareness show his cricketing intelligence. But I think he still needs to improve his consistency with the bat in high-pressure chases.
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Ananya R
The way Krunal handled the debut match against KKR was brilliant. Getting Rahane out and then bowling a bouncer to Venkatesh Iyer while he wasn't wearing a helmet—that's some smart game awareness. RCB's spin department has really benefited from his presence. 💪
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Rohit P
Krunal's match-winning knock against DC last year was a testament to his all-round skills. He didn't just bowl well but also delivered with the bat when it mattered most. Virat's guidance on staying patient and holding shape really paid off. RCB's management did well to invest in him for 5.75 crore.
K
Kavya N
It's refreshing to hear Krunal talk about his game with such honesty. The part about the pitch being tricky and his slow start before accelerating is something many fans don't appreciate. He's definitely a player who adds depth to any team. Though I wish he'd work on his batting a bit more to become a true finisher.

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