RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya halted KKR’s progress by picking up important wickets in the IPL 2025 opener at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.
The Kolkata franchise were looking to score more than 200 runs with Ajinkya Rahane (56) and Sunil Narine (44) stitching a second innings partnership of 103 runs.
But Krunal Pandya was quick to break the partnership by dismissing Rahane to guide RCB back into the match. He, later, picked up the wicket of vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer (6) and the dangerous Rinku Singh (12) to put the visitors on top of the match.
Pandya returned figures of 3/29; the best for any RCB bowler. His stunning performance was hailed by fans on the internet who reacted to his clutch performance.
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Earlier, RCB won the toss and opted to field.
“We have decided to bowl first, the pitch looks hard. Amazing to lead RCB and great opportunity to learn from the great players. We have done proper preparations for the last 10-15 days. I am confused with this impact player. We are going with 3 fast bowlers and 2 spinners,” RCB captain Rajat Patidar said.
“It’s an honour to lead this team. Our preparation has been good, the core group has been the same. Looking forward to bat well first and defend later on. It is all about giving the players the freedom and allow them to play as a unit. We are playing 3 fast bowlers and 2 spinners,” Rahane said.
KKR will defend their title this season while RCB will look for their first title.
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