Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are looking like one of the strongest teams in the ongoing IPL 2026, and Krunal Pandya is slowly becoming the new backbone of the franchise. Krunal Pandya is making a big impact in his own unique way, as highlighted by Dinesh Karthik.
The defending champions have continued their dominance in the ongoing IPL 2026, winning five of the seven games that they have played so far in the tournament.
Dinesh Karthik amazed by Krunal Pandya in IPL 2026
The RCB are currently placed second on the table, and Krunal’s bowling efforts are one of the key reasons behind this dream run. Krunal is not bowling like a normal spinner this season; rather, he is trying new ideas and confusing batters.
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Even though he is a finger spinner, he is bowling faster and mixing his pace smartly. One thing that is catching everyone’s attention is how Pandya is using short balls. Batters don’t expect a spinner to bowl like that, and this is making it hard for them to tackle him.
Ahead of the DC match on April 27, the RCB mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik has noted how well Krunal is thinking during matches. He is not just trying different deliveries for fun but using them at the right time. This smart approach is helping RCB control the game in tough situations.
Game is going to remember Krunal Pandya for a long time: RCB Mentor
Karthik has showered rich praise on Pandya for redefining finger-spin bowling and said that he will be remembered for a long time because of his innovative variations and growing mastery, as he keeps trying new things and making life difficult for batters in a smart way.
Dinesh Karthik said in an RCB release, “Krunal Pandya is a player that this game is going to remember for a long time because he is doing something that has not been done before. Pushing the boundaries of what ‘finger spinner’ means. He’s bowling deliveries that people really couldn’t fathom a few years ago, and he’s becoming a master at it.”
The former Indian cricketer continued, “He’s using it very cleverly, very wisely when the situation demands, and he’s using that as a strength of his to put pressure back on the person that he’s bowling against. It’s actually quite interesting to see how he goes about it mentally as well. He’s not someone who’s just doing it because it looks cool.”
Krunal Pandya is changing the landscape of finger spin bowling: Dinesh Karthik
The RCB mentioned further that Krunal knows when to use his variations to create doubt in the batter’s mind, and most of the time, it worked. He also called the all-rounder a “trendsetter” while reckoning he will be remembered both as a person and a cricketer for a long time.
Karthik signed off by saying, “Today if you see a lot of spinners trying to bowl different deliveries, I think a lot of credit must go to Krunal Pandya.”
“He is definitely evolving as an all-rounder with every passing day, be it with the ball or the bat, and that is so wonderful to see. So, a lot of credit must go to him. As I said, IPL is changing the landscape of cricket; Krunal is changing the landscape of finger spin bowling.”
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