In a heart-stopping IPL 2026 thriller, Royal Challengers Bengaluru edged past Mumbai Indians by two wickets in Raipur, chasing down 167 on the very last ball. The hero of the night? Krunal Pandya, who delivered a gritty 73 off 46 balls despite battling severe cramps that left him physically drained.

RCB found themselves in deep trouble at 39/3 when Krunal walked in. But instead of panicking, he anchored the innings with crucial partnerships alongside Jacob Bethell and Jitesh Sharma, before Bhuvneshwar Kumar's last-ball six sealed the unforgettable win. "I obviously love tough situations," Krunal said after the match. "I always prepare and look forward to those. The pitch wasn't easy for big hitting—you had to play cricketing shots, apply yourself, and grind."

Despite his heroic knock, Krunal admitted the cramps took a toll. "It started from my calf, went to my glutes, and then to my back. I don't usually bat so long," he revealed with a weary smile.

But the most emotional moment came when Krunal spoke about former Mumbai Indians teammate Kieron Pollard, calling him his "big brother" and the "GOAT of this format." Reflecting on their six successful years together at MI, Krunal choked up: "Polly always says, 'You can't keep a good man down.'"

For fans who love the drama of IPL cricket, this match was a reminder that grit, patience, and a little brotherly love can turn the tide—even when your body is screaming to stop.