Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) look like one of the strongest teams in the ongoing IPL 2026, and Krunal Pandya is slowly becoming the new backbone of the franchise. Krunal Pandya is making a big impact in his own way, as highlighted by Dinesh Karthik.

The defending champions have continued their dominance in the ongoing IPL 2026, winning five of the seven games they have played so far in the tournament.

Dinesh Karthik amazed by Krunal Pandya at IPL 2026

RCB are currently second in the standings and Krunal’s bowling efforts are one of the key reasons behind this dream run. Krunal is not bowling like a normal player this season; rather, he’s trying new ideas and confusing hitters.

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Although he plays with his fingers, he bowls faster and combines his pace intelligently. One thing that catches everyone’s attention is how Pandya uses short balls. Batsmen don’t expect a spinner to bowl like that, and this makes it difficult for them to tackle him.

Ahead of the DC match on April 27, RCB mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik has noticed how well Krunal thinks during matches. It’s not just about trying different deliveries for fun, but about using them at the right time. This smart approach helps RCB control the game in difficult situations.

The game will remember Krunal Pandya for a long time: RCB Mentor

Karthik has praised Pandya for redefining finger-spin bowling and said that he will be remembered for a long time for his innovative variations and increasing mastery, as he continues to try new things and make life difficult for the batsmen in a smart way.

Dinesh Karthik said in an RCB statement: “Krunal Pandya is a player this game will remember for a long time because he is doing something that hasn’t been done before. Pushing the boundaries of what ‘finger spinner’ means. He makes bowling deliveries that people couldn’t really imagine a few years ago, and he is becoming a master at it.”

The former Indian cricketer continued: “He uses it very intelligently, very wisely when the situation demands it, and he uses it as one of his strengths to put pressure back on the person he is playing against. It’s actually quite interesting to see how he does it mentally as well. He’s not someone who does it just because he looks good.”

Krunal Pandya is changing the landscape of finger bowling: Dinesh Karthik

RCB further mentioned that Krunal knows when to use his variations to create doubts in the batsman’s mind, and most of the time it worked. He also termed the all-rounder as a “trendsetter” and felt that he will be remembered as a person and as a cricketer for a long time.

Karthik signed off by saying, “Nowadays, if you see a lot of spinners trying to bowl different deliveries, I think a lot of the credit has to go to Krunal Pandya.”

“He is definitely evolving as an all-rounder with each passing day, be it with the ball or bat, and that is wonderful to see. So, a lot of credit must go to him. Like I said, IPL is changing the landscape of cricket; Krunal is changing the landscape of finger bowling.”

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