In a moment that tugged at the heartstrings of cricket fans everywhere, Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya broke down on air after delivering a match-winning performance that eliminated his former team, Mumbai Indians, from IPL 2026. The emotional victory not only propelled RCB to the top of the table but also brought back a flood of memories for Krunal, who spent six unforgettable years with the five-time champions.
The chase of 167 started on shaky ground for RCB, with Virat Kohli falling for another duck during the powerplay. When Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal followed soon after, the innings seemed to be unravelling. But Krunal, promoted to number five, walked in with calm confidence and took control of the game. His gritty 73 off 47 balls on a tricky wicket guided RCB to a thrilling two-wicket victory, sealed off the final delivery. The win pushed RCB to the summit of the IPL 2026 standings and officially ended Mumbai Indians' campaign.
For Krunal, this match was about more than just points on the table. From 2016 to 2021, he was an integral part of the Mumbai Indians setup, winning three IPL titles alongside his brother Hardik Pandya and the towering Kieron Pollard. Together, they formed what Krunal described as the team's engine room—a trio that delivered consistently with bat, ball, and in the field.
"Polly (Kieron Pollard) is my big brother. I have spent my best six years at Mumbai Indians," Krunal said on the broadcast, his voice cracking with emotion. "I remember Kieron Pollard and the Pandya brothers being the engine room there. We won a lot of games together. I still remember in 2021 when we were playing our last game, we held each other's hands, and we felt like, okay, this is the last time we'll be able to play together. And yeah, it was obviously an emotional moment again, but I love Kieron Pollard. He's a terrific human being, the GOAT of this format."
As Krunal wiped away tears, it was a powerful reminder that in the high-stakes world of the IPL, the bonds formed between teammates often run deeper than the game itself. For fans who grew up watching the Pandya brothers and Pollard dominate together, this moment was a bittersweet tribute to an era that will never be forgotten.