Andy Flower, who heads the coaching team at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), recently spoke about the importance of Krunal Pandya in the franchise. Flower stated that signing Krunal during the mega auction last year was one of the most important steps for the squad. RCB paid a handsome amount of Rs 5.75 crore to acquire him for IPL 2025, and it surely paid off as per the decision taken.
Krunal has made a big difference in RCB’s matches this season. He has been contributing mostly in middle overs and has helped the team to win. In their recent outing against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), at Chinnaswamy Stadium, a high-scoring ground, Krunal was quick to throw off RR’s momentum. Dismissing Riyan Parag, who was captaining in the absence of Sanju Samson, on just the first ball, Krunal continued to make it difficult for the beleaguered RR batters. In one of his trademark performances, Krunal tossed up a slower one instead of his darting fast one, and Parag miscue-slog-swept on the off side for an easy catch behind.
According to Flower, Krunal is good not only because of his skills but also, more importantly, because of his experience. “He has been through the IPL grind before, knows what it takes to win, and has captained sides in the past,” Flower said. “He has that fire within him, which we really appreciate, just like the rest of his family. That’s why we were really excited to draft him into our team.”
While the game progressed and RR was trying to make a comeback, needing 72 off 40, Krunal struck again by sending Nitish Rana back. Recognizing their spin bowling coach, Malolan Rangarajan, for helping Krunal in developing his method, Flower added, online casino games “They seem to have a great working relationship. Malolan has passed on some very good advice to Krunal, and it’s great to see him implementing that on the field.”
After this win over RR, RCB holds an encouraging position in third place on the points table as they gear up for their next match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on April 27. The mood is upbeat with the team performing well and wanting to build on it as the season unfolds.
