Krunal Pandya stuns with back-to-back key wickets in RR vs RCB IPL 2026 clash

After Rajasthan Royals provided a strong reply in the 202-run chase during the 16th game of the IPL 2026 in Guwahati on Friday night (April 10), Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a comeback with two back-to-back wickets in Krunal Pandya's over. Krunal played an important role with the ball, but the in-form RR still managed a strong victory.  

It was the match between two unbeaten teams of the season. Rajasthan Royals won all their first three matches of the season. Meanwhile, the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first two games of the season. 

It was the third game for RCB this season, where Rajasthan Royals claimed a six-wicket win, as they successfully chased the target in 18 overs after losing four wickets. While RR recorded their fourth successive victory this season, RCB suffered their first defeat in their title-defending season. 

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RCB scored 201 from 125/7

Despite the former RCB captain and opener Virat Kohli scoring 32 off 16 balls, RCB were struggling at 125/7. Captain Rajat Patidar scored crucial 63 off 40 balls, while Romario Shepherd (22 runs off 11 balls) and Venkatesh Iyer (29 not out off 15 balls) had some useful cameos to stretch the total to 200+. RCB finished the innings with a total of 201/8 in 20 overs. 

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi storm stopped by desperate Krunal Pandya 

Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced another stormy batting performance. The 15-year-old scored another 15-ball fifty runs, as he quickly moved to 78 off 26 balls with eight fours and seven sixes.

Left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya broke the century partnership between Vaibhav and Dhruv Jurel. They had a 108-run partnership for the second wicket in just six overs before Krunal dismissed Vaibhav for 78 runs, as Kohli took a good catch at long on.  

On the next ball, Krunal stunned Shimron Hetmyer with his short delivery, as the Caribbean surprisingly gifted his wicket by providing a simple catch to Josh Hazlewood at short third. With those two back-to-back wickets, RCB dreamt to make a comeback into the game, which didn't work for them.