"Winning trophies has always been my biggest motivation": Krunal Pandya after clinching his fifth IPL title
Ahmedabad, June 1
Royal Challengers Bengaluru veteran all-rounder Krunal Pandya on Monday shared his joy after winning his fifth Indian Premier League title, calling the achievement "incredibly satisfying."
Krunal became one of the IPL's most well-accomplished players, securing his fifth IPL title, his second back-to-back title with RCB and played a crucial role in his team's success in the 2025 and 2026 editions. Before this, he had secured three IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians (MI).
The Bengaluru all-rounder also played a vital role in his side's defending the title in the 2026 season.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Pandya said, "Winning trophies has always been my biggest motivation in cricket because there's no feeling quite like lifting a championship. Individual performances and match wins bring happiness, but winning a tournament is something truly special."
He added, "Throughout my career, I've always visualised and manifested success at the team level, and I've been fortunate enough to be part of sides that have achieved that. To win a fifth IPL trophy in eleven years is incredibly satisfying, and I'm grateful for the journey and the opportunities that have come my way."
Put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only ones to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.
RCB started off well with a 62-run stand between Venkatesh Iyer (32 in 16 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and Virat Kohli. GT showed some fight, reducing RCB to 132/5 at one point, but Virat (75* in 42 balls, with nine fours and three sixes) guided RCB to a win with two overs left. This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Krunal Pandya is a true team man! He's not flashy like Hardik, but his all-round contributions are gold. RCB management deserves credit for building a balanced squad after years of relying only on star batters. This is what consistency looks like.
Virat Kohli's 75* was vintage! He anchored the chase perfectly. But let's also appreciate the GT bowlers who made a game of it. IPL 2026 final was one of the best - tension till the last over. Krunal's line about visualising success really resonates. Hard work meets destiny.
Krunal is definitely one of the most decorated players in IPL history. 5 titles in 11 years is phenomenal. His partnership with Bhuvi and Hazlewood in the final was good to watch. RCB finally have the winning mentality.
'Krunal the senior' as they call him in dressing room - what a transformation from MI to RCB. But I wonder if he's been underutilised with the bat this season. Still, a champion player who steps up when it matters most. RCB's scouting of Venkatesh Iyer was also top notch.
Consistency is key in T20 cricket and Krunal proves it year after year. 5 titles is no fluke. The way he controlled the middle overs and chipped in with runs under pressure was brilliant. Great to see an all-rounder getting the recognition he deserves.
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