Krunal credits DK for RCB batters’ improved performance this season

Veteran all-rounder Krunal Pandya credited mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s improved batting method after his gritty knock towards Mumbai Indians stored the facet within the hunt and knocked the five-time champions out of the IPL playoffs race.

Battling extreme cramps and batting nearly on one leg, Krunal smashed an unbeaten 73 off 46 balls in a tense chase that RCB sealed off the ultimate supply.

Krunal mentioned Karthik’s behind-the-scenes work with the batters during the last two seasons has performed a serious function in shaping the facet’s batting performances.

“If you happen to take a look at final yr and even this yr, regardless of the ups and downs, numerous credit score goes to DK,” Krunal mentioned on the post-match press convention on Sunday (Might 11, 2026).

“He has spent numerous particular person time with every participant, understanding their strengths and weaknesses and dealing on them. He is all the time there for the batters. So sure, there is not any doubt numerous credit score goes to DK for the way we have batted as a unit.”

The left-hander revealed that RCB’s readability in strain conditions stemmed from detailed planning round match-ups and execution in crunch moments.

“We have mentioned that if there’s one bowler you fancy and really feel you may take down, simply play out these six balls correctly,” Krunal mentioned.

“In that state of affairs, I used to be set. I used to be in. And I realised it was turning into very troublesome for me to run ones and twos due to the cramps. So I assumed, ‘okay, let me simply stand and face all six balls’ and capitalise on no matter I can.”

Krunal, who has batted in a number of positions all through his IPL profession, mentioned he enjoys taking duty in troublesome conditions. “I really feel good that the crew trusts me to do completely different roles,” he mentioned.

“At any time when I bat, I ask myself what the state of affairs is and what the crew wants at that second. I’ve by no means centered on private milestones. I all the time attempt to perceive the crew state of affairs and methods to method it within the easiest method potential.

“And, truthfully, nevertheless powerful the state of affairs is, someplace I take pleasure in it.”

RCB ultimately scrambled the 2 runs required off the ultimate ball to finish a dramatic win, with veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar additionally making a decisive contribution with an important first-ball six within the final over after earlier delivering one other efficient new-ball spell of 4 wickets whereas gifting away simply 23 runs.