RCB’s First IPL Title: The One Player Who Helped It Happen—Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya scripted history in the 2025 IPL final, becoming the first player to win two MOTM awards in finals while guiding RCB to their first title.

Here’s how his journey unfolded. Follow BRG365 for more insights into cricket’s unsung legends.

Season-Long Role

When Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) splashed Rs 5.75 crore to sign Krunal Pandya at the 2025 IPL auction, few predicted the veteran would become the franchise’s title-winning architect.

But in cricket, experience often trumps flash—and Pandya, 34, proved it in the most dramatic way.

In the final against Punjab Kings, RCB defended 190 with Pandya’s spell of 2/17 in four overs standing as the game’s pivot. His dismissals of Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis choked PBKS’ chase, with 12 dot balls in his 24 deliveries—a masterclass in pressure bowling on a batter-friendly pitch.

“His spell will be remembered for a long, long time,” Virat Kohli said post-match, and for good reason: Pandya conceded just one boundary in his entire quota, swinging the contest irreversibly in RCB’s favour.

Clutch Performances

This wasn’t Pandya’s first rodeo under the spotlight. In the 2017 IPL final, he’d already etched his name in history with a match-winning 47 off 38 balls for Mumbai Indians, followed by economical bowling (4-0-31) to seal a one-run win.

That day, he bailed MI out of 79/7, proving his value as a crisis solver.

Fast forward to 2025, and Pandya’s role had evolved from finisher to leader. RCB’s faith in him paid off throughout the season: he won MOTM in the opener vs KKR and a crucial match vs DC, ending the campaign with 17 wickets and 109 runs in 15 games.

But the final was his crowning jewel—a performance Ravi Shastri dubbed “24 carat gold” for its precision.

Read More: Virat Kohli's RCB FINALLY! 18-Year IPL Drought Ends with 6 Run Win

The Pandya Brothers

Krunal’s success adds another layer to the Pandya family’s IPL dynasty. 

Brother Hardik won MOTM in the 2022 final with GT, and together, they now hold a staggering nine IPL titles (Krunal with 4, Hardik with 5).

Their rivalry-turned-solidarity is unique: “9 IPL trophies in the Pandya household,” Krunal joked after the final, recalling a phone call with Hardik.

This sibling duo has rewritten IPL history: first brothers to win MOTM in finals, and now, Krunal as the only player with two final MVPs.

Their story isn’t just about talent; it’s about adapting to roles—Krunal as the crafty spinner-batter, Hardik as the explosive all-rounder—and thriving under pressure.

Pandya’s 2025 final bowling stats are even more impressive when compared to PBKS’ season averages: the franchise had chased 200+ vs MI earlier, but Pandya’s control, bowling at 90 kmph with subtle pace variations, nullified their firepower. 

Opponent skipper Shreyas Iyer summed it up: “He carries experience; he’s done it over time.”

Read More: The Stars Align for Virat Kohli: 18 Years, Jersey 18, One Historic IPL Triumph

Why He Is RCB’s Quiet Revolution?

RCB’s 18-year title drought wasn’t for lack of star power—Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell had long anchored the side. 

But what they lacked was a cool-headed finisher in bowling and batting.

Pandya filled that void, blending his Mumbai Indians title-winning know-how with a leadership that calmed RCB’s historically jittery nerves.

His value extends beyond stats. In the final, when PBKS needed 48 off 24 balls, Pandya’s over that dismissed Inglis conceded just 3 runs—a pressure play that even top-tier bowlers struggle with.

It’s this ability to thrive in the “death” overs, both with ball and bat, that makes him a rare breed in T20 cricket.

Read More: RCB’s 2011 IPL Final Defeat Sparked Their Golden Era? Still Debate

The Enduring Legacy

Krunal Pandya may not headline billboards like his brother or Kohli, but his impact on IPL history is indisputable.

From MI’s three-peat to RCB’s maiden title, he’s been the glue in championship sides—silent, steady, and always ready when called.

As RCB fans celebrate their first trophy, the man who turned their “almosts” into “finallys” deserves every cheer.

Because in cricket, legends aren’t just made by runs and wickets; they’re made by moments when the game is on the line—and Krunal Pandya has made a career of owning those moments.

Also Read: Krunal Pandya's ‘24 Carat Gold’ performance powers RCB to maiden IPL glory