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Krunal Pandya's VHT Form Signals Big Boost for RCB's IPL Title Defense

Krunal Pandya is displaying excellent form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy ahead of IPL 2026, a promising sign for his franchise RCB. He recently smashed a 63-ball 109 and has scored 250 runs at an average of 85.33 and a strike rate of 121.35 in the tournament. His all-round contributions, including a 57 and 3/39 against Bengal, mirror the clutch performances he delivered in RCB's previous IPL title win. This current run of scores and wickets provides RCB with encouraging momentum as they prepare to defend their championship.

Key Points: Krunal Pandya's VHT Form: A Major Boost for RCB

  • Century & fifties in VHT
  • Economical bowling spells
  • Crucial in RCB's past IPL win
  • Strong all-round VHT average of 85.33
2 min read

Krunal Pandya displays ominous form in VHT; encouraging signs for his IPL franchise RCB

Krunal Pandya is in ominous Vijay Hazare Trophy form, scoring 250 runs at 121.35 SR. A key sign for RCB's IPL 2026 title defense.

"Player of the Match in RCB's IPL title win. - Article"

New Delhi, December 31

In an encouraging development for defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya is displaying some fine form ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026.

Krunal was the 'Player of the Match' in RCB's IPL title win against Punjab Kings, with figures of 2/17 in four overs, coming in clutch with wickets of top-order batters Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis.

In Baroda's Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) clash against Hyderabad, Krunal posted a 63-ball 109, with 18 fours and a six, along with centuries from Amit Passi (127) and Nitya Pandya (122), which took Baroda to 417/4. He was also economical with the ball, bowling a 10-over spell of 0/59 and contributed in his side's win.

Previously against UP, Pandya had bowled a wicketless 10-over spell of 64 runs, but despite his hard-hitting 77-ball 82 with 10 fours and two sixes, his side had failed to chase down 370 set by UP, ending the innings at 315.

In Baroda's win over Bengal, Krunal had produced an all-round effort of 57 in 63 balls, with six fours and a six and taken 3/39 in 10 overs as Baroda secured a four-wicket win while chasing 206.

His only bad game was against Assam, scoring just two runs and going wicketless.

So far in VHT, Krunal has scored 250 runs in four innings at an average of 85.33, with a century and two fifties and strike rate of 121.35. He has also taken three wickets.

In the last IPL season, Krunal was crucial in RCB's IPL triumph, scoring 109 in seven innings at an average of 18.16 with a fifty, best score of 73* against Delhi Capitals (DC) and taking 17 scalps in 15 matches at an average of 22.29, with best figures of 4/45.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket follower, it's good to see senior domestic players performing and pushing for national spots. His strike rate of 121 is impressive. Hope he carries this into the IPL.
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Ananya R
While the batting is great, his bowling figures are a bit of a concern, no? 0/59 and 0/64 in two matches. In T20s, economy is key. Hope he works on that aspect before the IPL.
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Vikram M
Baroda's batting lineup looks scary! Passi, Nitya, and Krunal all scoring centuries in one match? Wah! Good to see domestic cricket producing such high scores and competition.
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Michael C
His consistency is what stands out. A century and two fifties in four innings at that average is top-class. Players like him are the backbone of a successful IPL franchise.
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Priya S
After the IPL win, the pressure will be on RCB. Having a senior player like Krunal in form is a huge relief. He brings that winning mentality and experience. Can't wait for IPL 2026!

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