Raipur : Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off a thrilling last-ball victory against Mumbai Indians in the TATA IPL, with Krunal Pandya producing a match-winning 73 off 46 balls under pressure, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar starred with figures of 4/23 to help RCB secure two crucial points and move to the top of the points table. The spell also saw Bhuvneshwar move to the top of the Purple Cap standings with 21 wickets this season.
Reflecting on the win, Krunal said,
“It’s still very fresh, but I am really happy that I was able to contribute, especially when the team needed it the most. At a crucial stage of the tournament, these two points were very important for us.”
Krunal also credited Bethell for the partnership of 55 run off 42 balls, which shifted momentum back in RCB’s favour.
“Beth and I had a chat when I walked in. A lot of credit goes to him as well because he stuck on to it and we built a very crucial partnership on a tricky wicket,” he said.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar once again led RCB’s bowling effort brilliantly on a two-paced surface, delivering a match-winning spell and continuing his strong season with the ball.
Reflecting on his performance, Bhuvneshwar said,
“The thing which keeps me going is discipline. Motivation is a very overrated word for me. Credit also goes to the physios and trainers who help me stay in shape throughout the year.”
Speaking about adapting to the conditions, he added,
“It’s all about reading the conditions as quickly as possible. Today there was help in the wicket when you hit the right lengths and thankfully things worked in our favour.”
RCB captain Rajat Patidar praised the experienced players in the side for stepping up under pressure and highlighted the impact made by both Krunal and Bhuvneshwar.
“I think KP is the man who has done it for the team. Players with experience step up on the big stage when the team is under pressure,” Patidar said.
On Bhuvneshwar’s spell, Patidar added,
“The way Bhuvi controlled the ball on a two-paced wicket with variable bounce was unbelievable. It was very difficult to play him today.”
The victory further strengthens RCB’s playoff push as the side continues to build momentum in the closing stages of the league phase.
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