Krunal Pandya played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful defense of their Indian Premier League title this season. The team became only the third side to win consecutive IPL crowns, following a 17-year wait for their first victory the previous year. For Pandya, it marked his fifth title overall, after securing four earlier with Mumbai Indians. This was also the second occasion he stood on the winners’ podium without his brother Hardik, who endured a difficult campaign as Mumbai Indians captain. Krunal and Hardik have long maintained a close connection, evident during their joint appearances in the IPL and for India. “Obviously, we have played together,” Krunal told the Times of India.
