All-rounder Krunal Pandya played a stunning knock to remember as RCB edged past Mumbai Indians in a last-ball thriller in Raipur on Sunday. RCB had its head against the wall after being reduced to 39 for 3 in just 5.1 overs in the chase of 167 as well. Krunal scored 73 off 46, playing a key role in RCB’s victory. However, RCB held their nerve until the final delivery to win the game.
“I think it’s normal now, but it was a very tight match, overall I think, great game and especially KP (Krunal Pandya). I think he’s the man who’s done it for the team,” said RCB captain Rajat Patidar after the game.
“I think it’s our decision. I think we have discussed in team meetings and all. And we know, the way he played. He played earlier also number five. But yeah we wanted to give him an opportunity to go at number five and he has done pretty well. There’s a lot of experience, you know. So that’s why I think those players do it in the big stage and when the team is under pressure. I think it’s unbelievable, I would say,” he again added.
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In the first innings, veteran pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar continued his stunning form, returning with figures of 4 for 23 as well. However, with this win, RCB reached the top of the points table.
“The way he (Bhuvneshwar) controlled over the ball, his control over the ball, I think is super. And it’s been difficult on a wicket that was two paced and variable bounce. I think it’s very difficult to play him,” said Rajat Patidar.
“Right now we are not bothered about the table because our mantra is to play on our strengths and play good cricket rather than looking on the table. I think bowlers have done a tremendous job there. Restricting them on 166, and that was, I would say, easily chaseable. But to be honest, I think we didn’t deserve to win this match because we have a skillful batting lineup. So no matter how the situation and the pitch condition is, we are capable enough to chase those targets easily,” Rajat Patidar concluded.
