Team India faced a big setback on Sunday, January 11, as all-rounder Washington Sundar suffered a rib injury during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. Medical checks revealed that Sundar will not be able to play in the remaining two ODIs. Recently, it was also reported that the Tamil Nadu cricketer has been ruled out of the next five T20Is.

The injury raises doubts about his participation in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Sundar is an important player, and finding a replacement for him in the 20-team tournament will not be easy. Some players on the sidelines are waiting for a chance to prove themselves. The BCCI has not made an official statement yet, but reports suggest that Sundar’s chances of playing the remaining matches are low. His setback comes at a time when the team is already facing fitness issues, as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out before the series started.

Sundar is part of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, and this injury has raised concerns about his preparation for the tournament in February. If the side strain is serious, the team management may have to consider replacements. Here are three strong options to replace Washington Sundar in India’s T20 squad ahead of the World Cup:

Also read -Watch: Former RCB legend AB de Villiers seen vaping on live TV during SA20 match between Pretoria Capitals and MI Cape Town

3. Riyan Parag

Assam cricketer Riyan Parag is a player who excites many Indian fans. He sometimes shows a laid-back approach, but his temperament and skills as an all-rounder have brought him success in domestic cricket. In the last few years, he has shown maturity and even captained Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. The Guwahati-born player made his India debut in 2024 and has played nine T20Is so far.

There is one concern, though. Parag has often faced injuries, which kept him away from international cricket during 2025. If he gets fit in time and proves his readiness to the selectors, he could make a strong comeback ahead of the T20 World Cup.

2. Sai Kishore

Sai Kishore has quietly built a reputation as a reliable left-arm orthodox spinner in Indian domestic cricket. Playing for Tamil Nadu, he is known for his accuracy, discipline, and ability to control runs in the middle overs.

In domestic cricket, Sai Kishore picked up six wickets in seven innings at an economy rate of 4.61. He also scored 87 runs in seven innings, adding useful lower-order runs. In TNPL 2025, he took 12 wickets in nine innings at an economy rate of 5.44 and scored 129 runs at a strike rate of 138.71. In IPL 2025, playing for Gujarat Titans, he played 15 matches and took 19 wickets. His consistency makes him a strong option if India needs a spin-bowling replacement.

1. Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya is a spin-bowling all-rounder who can also hit big as a finisher. He has a lot of T20 experience. He played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their 2025 title-winning season and was Player of the Match in the final for his tight bowling under pressure. The Ahmedabad-born player also performed well for Baroda in the SMAT and Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring runs and taking wickets.

Krunal last played for India in 2021, but his consistent performances have kept him in consideration. The 34-year-old also brings leadership experience, making him a good like-for-like replacement for Washington Sundar.

The story of the first three rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy has been around some since the summer batting performance from the youngsters and veterans However the fourth round of this tournament is about some of the experienced players putting their hands up.

Some of the veterans who are out of the national side contributed massively to put their names in the selection process if the national site requires. This includes Sarfraz Khan, who may get into the ODI side of the Indian team in near future.

A look at the top five batting performances from Day 4 of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025/26

1.   Vikalp Tiwari (Chhattisgarh)

At an age of only 16, Vikalp Tiwari from Chhattisgarh has stunned the world cricket by his sensational knockoff 112 in just 57 deliveries at a circuit of nearly 200 with the help of nine boundaries and six sixes Again Sikkim Which the team to post a massive score of 355 in their allotted 50 overs of the first innings.

See Also: Know India's full ODI schedule, venues, opposition, and dates in year 2026

Vikalp made his in this season where he struggled in the first two games against Punjab and Goa with scores of 4 and 2. However, he, in the third fixture against Sikkim, put up a massive partnership of 185 of just 100 deliveries with Amandeep before Chhattisgarh bundled out Sikkim for 126 in 34 overs to complete a victory by 229 runs.

Brief Scores: Chhattisgarh 355/3 (Vikalp Tiwari 112*, Aayush Pandey 86, Md Saptulla 1/24) beat Sikkim 126 (Gurinder Singh 47, Dev Aditya 4/25) by 229 runs.

2.   Sarfaraz Khan (Mumbai)

After a blistering campaign in the recently finished Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26, Sarfaraz Khan has banged on the selector’s door with some mind-blowing knocks in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as he clubbed a jaw-dropping knock off 157 runs off 75 balls at a strike rate of nearly 210 with the help of nine boundaries and 14 sixes which help Mumbai to post 444 in their 50 allotted overs.

Surfers could be the solution for India in the middle overs in the white bulb format thanks to his incredible skill of nailing the spinners which a rare prospect in the current Indian side. Mumbai completed a massive victory against Goa in that VHT fixture.

Brief Scores: Mumbai 444/8 (Sarfaraz Khan 157, Musheer Khan 60, Darshan Misal 3/98) beat Goa 357/9 (Abhinav Tejrana 100, Shardul Thakur 3/20) by 87 runs.

3.   Krunal Pandya & Amil Pasi (Baroda)

Add the Sanosara cricket ground B in Rajkot, Hyderabad locked horns with Baroda where the latter posted a massive score of 417 in the allotted 50 overs after being given the chance to bat first on a pitch which placid surface and had nothing to offer the bowlers. They got a fabulous start with the opening partnership of 230 runs with both the openers getting their respective centuries.

Amit Pasi stood out for a fine knock off 127 runs in 93 balls at a strike rate of 136.56 with the help of twelve boundaries and seven sixes. On the other hand, Krunal Pandya, Baroda’s captain, promoted himself at number three and blasted a magnificent knock of unbeaten 109 runs in 63 balls at a strike rate of 173.02 with the help of 18 boundaries and one six.

Brief Scores: Baroda 417/4 (Amit Pasi 127, Nitya Pandya 122, Krunal Pandya, 109*) beat Hyderabad 380 (Abhirath Reddy 130, Pragnay Reddy 113) by 37 runs.

4.   Aryan Juyal (Uttar Pradesh)

At an age of 24, Uttar Pradesh’s opening batter, Aryan Juyal, has already impressed the selectors with impressive performances as he carries an average of over 50 in both first class and List-A cricket. Having already celebrated a century against Chandigarh in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, he repeated the feat against Assam in a massive chase of 309 runs.

Juyal remained unbeaten on 150 in one 40 balls at a strike rate of more than 107 with the help of 15 boundaries and three sixes as Uttar Pradesh won the game by 58 runs through the VJD method.

Brief Scores: Uttar Pradesh 291/2 (Aryan Juyal 150*, Akash Sengupta 1/45) beat Assam 308 (Sumit Ghadigaonk 101, Vipraj Nigam 4/66, Zeeshan Ansari 3/60) by 58 runs (VJD method).

5.   Mayank Agarwal (Karnataka)

 Mayank Agarwal, the veteran in domestic cricket, who has already featured for India in the longest format has been in sensational touch in this year’s Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) as he smashed a fine knock of 132 in 124 balls at a strike rate of over 106 with the help of 15 fours and a pair of sixes at the opening spot for Karnataka against Puducherry.

Along with him, Devdutt Pat also clubbed a fine knock off 113 in 116 balls at a strike rate of nearly hundred with the help of ten boundaries and four sixes fired up Karnataka to 363 in the allotted 50O words before they completed the victory by 67 runs.

Brief Scores: Karnataka 363/4 (Mayank Agarwal 132, Devdutt Padikkal 113, Jayant Yadav 1/41) beat Puducherry 296 (Neyan Shyam 68, Manvanth Kumar 3/52) by 67 runs. 

Jitendra Singh, childhood coach of Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya, has revealed the great amount of support and gifts he has received from the duo throughout the years. Although the two brothers are known for their unhealthy competitive streak on the field, the Pandya brothers have always shown their warm-hearted and generous nature. In an exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com, Jitendra stated how Hardik and Krunal helped ensure the wedding of his first sister in 2018, by providing financial support.

He added that during the marriage ceremonies of his second sister in February 2024, the brothers helped out once again, transferring him ₹20 lakhs for a car and other gifts. Hardik personally assured him, saying, "Your sister is my sister. Just let me know whenever the wedding gets fixed. Don’t worry. Just ensure that all things go well, taking care of every requirement.

Jitendra also recalled other instances of the brothers’ generosity. When Hardik debuted in the IPL with the Mumbai Indians in 2015, he noticed Jitendra’s mother was seriously ill and ensured her recovery by providing financial help. Hardik also gifted Jitendra a car worth ₹5-6 lakhs after India’s 2015-16 tour of Australia. Over the years, both brothers continued to support him financially, including after IPL wins in 2017, 2019, and Krunal gifted ₹18 lakhs after winning the IPL with RCB in 2025.

Pandya Brothers’ Generosity Totals ₹70-80 Lakhs

Overall, Jitendra Singh said that the full assistance he had gotten from Hardik and Krunal Pandya was about ₹70-80 lakhs. He comes from a lower-middle-class family; hence, he said that these acts have changed his life, reflecting the brothers' big hearts.

See Also: 'Backstabbers Everywhere' – Yuvraj Singh's father opens up on his career struggles

On the cricket front, Hardik Pandya will be in the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup starting September 9 in Dubai. Named in India's 15-member squad, he will have an important opportunity to be the team's main all-rounder, bringing good form from IPL 2025 into the T20 tournament. Hardik has made 114 T20Is, scoring 1812 runs and 94 wickets and made other contributions towards India's 2024 T20 World Cup achievement.

After seven weeks of incredible red-ball encounters between two competitive sides, the focus has shifted to white-ball cricket. There is no international cricket for India in August as they will enjoy the break before another hectic schedule of the Asia Cup 2025 and the home season. Plenty of T20I stars, who have been away from the limelight, will be back in contention for the tournament.

The Indian selection committee, under Ajit Agarjar, is going to meet in the third week of August to finalize the 15-member squad. Most of the T20I players will keep their spot in the tournament, while a few places are up for grabs. That’s where they will keep an eye on the stars from the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

See Also: Shubman Gill to play in this tournament before home IND vs WI 2025 Test series

Under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, India locked horns with England during the home five-match T20I series. It has been reported that the IPL 2025 winning side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s Krunal Pandya, is expected to return to the squad for the Asia Cup 2025.

RCB star Krunal Pandya expected to return for India in Asia Cup 2025

Krunal Pandya has been part of 19 T20Is to smash 124 runs at an average of 24.80 and a strike rate of over 130, with the best score of unbeaten 26 runs. With the ball, the left-arm spinner has picked up 15 wickets in 19 innings at an average of 36.93 with an economy rate of over eight.

Krunal has an incredible skill of bowling tight overs at any part of the innings, starting from the powerplay to the middle overs and death overs. The southpaw, during the recently concluded IPL 2025, nailed 109 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 126.74 with one half-century on his name besides picking up 17 wickets at an economy rate of just over eight.

If Krunal Pandya comes into the side, it will mean India will have two left-arm spinners alongside Axar Patel. Kuldeep Yadav is expected to retain his place, while the toss-up will be between Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravi Bishnoi for the tournament.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) win was so impactful that people still have been talking about the night. Even in question papers, the historic event took place.

In a viral social media post, cricket fans saw a question where Krunal Pandya's name is mentioned. The question is set around an imaginary bowling of Pandya, man of the match of the IPL 2025 grand finale.

According to the viral social media post, the question states, "In the IPL 2025 final, Krunal Pandya delivers a ball such that its velocity decreases over time due to air resistance. Suppose the rate of the change of the ball's velocity is proportional to the square of its velocity, given by the differential equation dv/dt = -(kv)², where k > 0 is a constant. If the initial speed of the ball is v(0) = 144 km/h (which is 40 m/s), assuming..." 

See the full question here

pic.twitter.com/KXGpWL3o30

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) June 29, 2025

Read More: 'Will I be able to play...'— surprising revelation about Rishabh Pant ahead of ENG vs IND 2nd Test

Pandya awarded the man of the match for game changing bowling performance

Pandya's tight bowling helped Rajat Patidar's side to lift the trophy for the first time in the history of the tournament. The spinner got the man of the match award for his influential bowling in the middle overs. With his slow left-arm orthodox bowling, the star all-rounder did not allow Punjab Kings (PBKS) batters to push the paddle to match the required run rate. In his 4-over bowling spell, Pandya bagged a couple of wickets in exchange for only a 4.25 required run rate.

RCB, batting first, scored 190 in their 20 overs quota. Virat Kohli's 43 off 35 was the best among any other Bengaluru batter's that night. Cameos from Jitesh Sharma and Liam Livingstone pushed the team's total to a respectable score. But if Krunal had not made that phenomenal bowling performance, the result of the match could've been different. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore finally ended its wait for an IPL trophy after 18 years. The franchise has witnessed some of the best players in their dugout every season, but has failed to win the trophy. The 2025 season was a special one for RCB, and the team produced a collective effort. Every player stepped up during demanding situations, whether it was the experience of Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood or Jitesh Sharma's aggressive batting and Krunal Pandya's clever off-spin.

New skipper Jitesh Sharma showcased tremendous calmness under pressure and made clever bowling changes depending on the batting team's strengths. In this piece, we discuss five players who played a big role in helping the team win the IPL trophy for the first time. We discuss these five players in detail:

1. Virat Kohli

'King Kohli' was again the core of the RCB batting line-up, showcasing aggression in his batting. The 36-year-old scored 657 runs in 15 IPL games during the 2025 season, scoring 8 half-centuries with a strike rate of 144.71. The former India skipper played an influential role while chasing big totals. The right-hander used his experience of playing in different situations. Kohli built his innings cleverly and accelerated when needed.

2. Josh Hazlewood

The Australian pacer used his experience in judging the conditions and wickets to good effect. The 34-year-old didn't allow the opposition batters to score easily. Hazlewood managed to claim crucial wickets during the run of play with his clever swing and seam movements.

His leg cutters troubled the batters on slow wickets, and he used his slower ones smartly. He claimed 22 wickets in 12 IPL games during the entire season with best bowling figures of 4/33.

See Also: 4 players who have scored 5,000-plus runs in both the IPL and Test cricket

3. Phil Salt

Phil Salt was crucial in providing acceleration as an opener. His destructive hitting destroyed the opposition's morale. The 28-year-old smashed the opposition bowlers out of the park.

The England opener read the wickets well and attacked the spinners at will. The right-hander was aggressive against pacers when they bowled short of length or when he was offered width. The England wicket-keeper batter scored 403 runs in 13 IPL games with a strike rate of 175.98 by registering 4 half-centuries.

4. Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya was the core of the RCB bowling lineup in the entire season. The left-arm off-spinner mixed his deliveries cleverly. The 34-year-old caused problems for the batters with his length and bowled quicker through the air to surprise the batters. Pandya claimed 17 wickets in 15 IPL games with best bowling figures of 4/25. Krunal Pandya's inclusion added penetration in the RCB bowling lineup.

5. Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma's inclusion made the RCB batting lineup robust. The 32-year-old was bought for a sum of INR 11 crore by RCB, and the wicket-keeper batter turned out to be valuable with his powerful hitting abilities. The right-hander stepped up when needed, scoring 261 runs in 15 IPL games with a strike rate of 176.35. Jitesh Sharma can play match-winning innings, and that is exactly what he did this season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has experienced 18 seasons, where eight different teams have won the trophy, including multiple trophy successes for Mumbai Indians (5 times), Chennai Super Kings (5 times), and Kolkata Knight Riders (3 times). There are some players who have celebrated the trophy several times. 

Here, we have brought the names of the players with four or more IPL trophies. 

See Also: Top 5 players to receive the most POTM awards in the IPL

Lasith Malinga - 4 IPL trophies

Former Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga recorded four IPL trophy successes. Serving for Mumbai Indians, Malinga won IPL trophies in the 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019 seasons. 

Ravindra Jadeja - 4 IPL trophies

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has celebrated four IPL trophy successes for two different teams. After becoming a crucial member of the inaugural IPL champions Rajasthan Royals (2008), Jadeja won his last three IPL trophies for Chennai Super Kings (2018, 2021, and 2023). 

Krunal Pandya - 4 IPL trophies

Indian cricketer Krunal Pandya has also won four IPL trophies. After celebrating his first three IPL trophies for Mumbai Indians (2017, 2019, and 2020), he recently won his fourth IPL trophy (IPL 2025) for his new IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Kieron Pollard - 5 IPL trophies

Former Caribbean cricketer Kieron Pollard holds the record for most IPL trophies by an overseas cricketer with five IPL trophies. Pollard lifted all his IPL trophies for Mumbai Indians, and those years were 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.

MS Dhoni - 5 IPL trophies

Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni was the second captain to win five IPL trophies. MS Dhoni-led CSK won the IPL title in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. He was the first captain to defend the IPL title (2010 and 2011). 

Hardik Pandya - 5 IPL trophies

Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya, the younger brother of Krunal Pandya, has already celebrated with five IPL trophies, including once as a captain. Serving for Mumbai Indians, the all-rounder lifted four IPL trophies in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Later, leading the Gujarat Titans, Pandya lifted his fifth IPL trophy, which was also the team's debut season. 

Rohit Sharma - 6 IPL trophies

Rohit Sharma was the first cricketer to win six IPL trophies, as well as the first captain to win five IPL trophies. After winning his first IPL trophy for Deccan Chargers in 2009, Rohit led Mumbai Indians to win the IPL trophies in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. 

Ambani Rayudu - 6 IPL trophies

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu also won six IPL trophies, three for Mumbai Indians and three for Chennai Super Kings. He is the only player to win at least two IPL trophies for two different teams. Rayudu won his first three IPL trophies for Mumbai Indians in the 2013, 2015, and 2017 seasons. Later, serving for Chennai Super Kings, he celebrated IPL trophies in the 2018, 2021, and 2023 seasons. 

List of players with most IPL trophies

The final match of IPL 2025 was very exciting. In this match, Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Punjab Kings by 6 wickets and won the trophy. With this, RCB’s 17-year-long wait to become IPL champions finally ended. After this big win, RCB is getting congratulations from all over the world.

Krunal Pandya was the game-changer in the IPL 2025 final. The experienced all-rounder gave away only 17 runs in his four overs, with a very good economy rate of 4.25. He took the important wickets of Punjab’s hard-hitting batters Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis, which helped RCB at a crucial moment in the match.

After winning the trophy with RCB, Krunal Pandya copied his brother Hardik Pandya’s famous trophy-winning pose. In a viral photo posted on Krunal’s official X account, he was seen doing the same celebration style as his brother.

Also Read -How to Watch TNPL 2025 Live: Streaming and Broadcast Details

Hardik Pandya had done this pose after winning last year’s and this year’s Champions Trophy. Now, the same ‘Pandya Pose’ was seen again after RCB’s big win this season.

Krunal also took part in a fun post-match photoshoot, proudly holding the IPL trophy. He shared the pictures on the social media platform X and made fans happy by doing the popular “I guess we did it” pose. He added his own fun twist to the pose, which is now known as a special part of Hardik’s celebrations.

Krunal Pandya was a key player for RCB in their 2025 season. He scored 109 runs in 15 matches in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League. His best score was 73 not out against Delhi Capitals. His strike rate of 126.54 also impressed the fans.

His bowling performance was also very good. He gave away runs at an economy rate of just over 8 and took 17 wickets in the season. Krunal was also named the ‘Player of the Match’ in the final against the Punjab Kings.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stars went wild celebrating their historic win in the Indian Premier League (IPL), igniting social media posts. The players all returned from Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, led by skipper Rajat Patidar and backed by icon Virat Kohli, to their hotel in very high spirits. Video footage of the arriving players showed them dancing to everyone's excitement, with Kohli, Krunal Pandya, Patidar, and the vice-captain Jitesh Sharma joining the festivities.

Though Kohli kept his dance moves minimal, it was Patidar who stole the show in the lively dancing, appearing to fully enjoy their historic win. RCB won the IPL title for the first time in franchise history with a thrilling six-wicket win over the Punjab Kings (PBKS), and after an 18-year wait, Kohli finally captured his first IPL title. After a competent performance from the spinners and standout death bowling, RCB wrapped it up despite a battling performance from Shashank Singh, who was unbeaten on 61.

In an emotional post-match interview, Kohli dedicated the win to RCB's loyal fanbase and reflected on his long journey. “It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, prime, and experience. Every season I tried to win it and gave it my all. To finally have it—it’s an unbelievable feeling,” he said, visibly moved.

Tribute to AB de Villiers

Kohli paid a heartfelt tribute to his ex-teammate AB de Villiers and the huge impact he made on the franchise. “What ABD has done for the franchise is incredible. I told him, ‘this win is as much yours as it is ours.’ Even in retirement, he still remains one of the most effective players in our history,” Kohli said.

Watch the video here

Entry but make it BOLD. ❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/JihkcQCJXO

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 4, 2025

Also Read: WATCH: RCB skipper Rajat Patidar speaking 'Ee Sala Cup Namdu' after winning their Maiden IPL title

De Villiers is still RCB’s second-highest run-scorer with 4,522 runs in 157 matches, averaging 41.10 and a strike rate of 158.33. He has scored 2 hundreds and 37 fifties, and his legacy lives on and continues to inspire the team and fans.

Finally, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their long wait for a trophy, as they lifted the IPL 2025 trophy after beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Final by six runs in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night (June 3).

After Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer chose to field first, RCB scored 190/9 in 20 overs. In reply, Punjab Kings managed to score 184/7 in 20 overs, while they required 29 runs in the last over. Despite hitting three sixes and one four in the final four balls of the match, as Shashank Singh scored a fighting 61 not out off 30 balls with three fours and six sixes, it wasn’t enough for the Punjab franchise. 

For RCB, opener Virat Kohli scored 43 off 35 balls, while the team also had four useful 20s. 

Among the Punjab Kings bowlers, Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) picked up three wickets each. Meanwhile, the Player of the Match Krunal Pandya had the bowling figures of 4-0-17-2, and he was one among the two RCB bowlers with two wickets in the second innings, along with the pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38).

Here, we have brought the top 3 moments that changed the IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs PBKS

WATCH: RCB finally lift IPL Trophy after 18-year wait – Iconic Moment!

Virat Kohli's innings, which Punjab Kings missed

Although Virat Kohli may face criticism for his slow knock by scoring 43 off 35 balls with three fours, his presence allowed the other batters to play comfortably, and most importantly, rotating the strike continued in the crucial middle overs. His presence didn’t allow many dot balls for RCB in the middle overs (7th to 15th overs), as RCB played only nine dot balls during the period, while PBKS played 20 dot balls (excluding leg byes). Meanwhile, Kohli played only three dot balls in the match, including two dot balls in the middle overs (excluding his dismissal). Although RCB were losing wickets in their possible dominant moments, Kohli’s presence assured the balance in the innings to drive the team to a challenging total.

Krunal Pandya: Andy Flower’s special name proved once again

Krunal Pandya was the hero for RCB in the first game of the season when they beat the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata. It was just a glimpse of his incredible IPL 2025 story, as the head coach Andy Flower was desperate to secure him for RCB in the IPL 2025 auction after previously working with him for the Lucknow Super Giants.

In the IPL 2025 final, Krunal delivered the best bowling figures of the match, 4-0-17-2, along with the most dot balls (12 dot balls). The left-arm spinner superbly controlled Punjab Kings’ middle overs while he took two important wickets of the set batters Prabhsimran Singh (26) and Josh Inglis (39). Krunal finished the season with 17 wickets, the joint second-most wickets for RCB in the IPL 2025, along with the best economy rate (at least bowled in two innings) for his team this season (8.23). 

Early dismissal of captain Shreyas Iyer  

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer played many inspiring innings for his franchise in the IPL 2025. The leading run-scorer of the team this season was crucial for the Final as PBKS were expecting another strong batting performance from him. Coming to bat at no.4 in the ninth over after the dismissal of the set opener Prabhsimran Singh, PBKS skipper Iyer scored only one run as he was caught behind playing a lazy cut while facing the second delivery of the innings. That dismissal cost the team hugely, as they failed to rotate the strike properly.