Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya spoke about his strong cricketing bond with his brother Hardik Pandya after RCB's title-winning campaign. Krunal said that having a sibling in the same profession provides valuable support, as they regularly discuss their games and help each other improve.
The Royal Challengers, led by Rajat Patidar, successfully defended their Indian Premier League (IPL) title in the 2026 season. With this achievement, the Bengaluru-based franchise became only the third team in IPL history to win back-to-back titles, a year after ending their 17-year wait for a maiden championship.
When You Have Your Brother Also- Krunal Pandya Opens Up on Bond with Hardik Pandya
In a conversation with Times of India, Krunal Pandya spoke about the advantages of sharing his cricketing journey with Hardik Pandya. The RCB all-rounder said that they regularly discuss technical and tactical aspects of the game, which helps both of them improve and perform better on the field.
"Obviously, we have played together. We have always discussed cricket in terms of tactical, technical stuff which always helps. It has always been a good conversation, a very healthy conversation about cricket and how we can get better. When you have your brother also playing the same sport, it always helps each other."
Hardik Pandya endured a disappointing IPL 2026 season as Mumbai Indians captain, with the five-time champions finishing second from bottom in the points table. Earlier in his captaincy career, Hardik led the Gujarat Titans (GT) to an IPL title and another final appearance before returning to the Mumbai Indians.
10 Trophies in the Pandya Household Is Not a Bad Number - Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya expressed his happiness over the success that he and Hardik Pandya have enjoyed throughout their careers. The all-rounder said that reaching such a milestone is special and credited their achievements to God's blessings.
"And, I mean, 10 trophies in the Pandya household is not a bad number to have. God’s been kind." The IPL 2026 triumph was Krunal Pandya's fifth league title. He had previously won four IPL trophies during his time with Mumbai Indians. Krunal and Hardik have now won the IPL five times each.
Rather Than Fighting for Things That Are Not in Your Control - Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya also spoke about the challenges of moving between different teams during his career. The all-rounder said that he keeps his approach simple by focusing only on winning, regardless of whether he is playing for an IPL franchise or representing Baroda in domestic cricket.
"It’s part and parcel of the profession. Rather than fighting for things that are not in your control, I have kept it simple. I just want to win. So, for me, the agenda, even when I go and play for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali or Vijay Hazare Trophy, is just to win. I just want to win the trophy. I’ve accepted the fact that it’s part and parcel of playing the sport and playing the IPL. I don’t think too much about it."
Krunal enjoyed a strong IPL 2026 season with both bat and ball. He picked up 14 wickets at an average of 30.35 and an economy rate of 8.41. With the bat, the left-hander scored 226 runs in nine innings at an average of 37.66 and a strike rate of 145.80, his best IPL season since 2018.
