Krunal Pandya labeled 'Street-Smart Cricketer' by Ex-India star for IPL 2025 heroics
Published - 10 May 2025, 05:33 PM | Updated - 10 May 2025, 11:34 PM
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Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu showered praise on Krunal Pandya for his all-round performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 season. Sidhu was impressed with Krunal's game awareness and versatility, calling him a "street-smart cricketer" who adapts to match situations.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru purchased Krunal Pandya for ₹5.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, but it sparked mixed reactions. While some backed the move, many critics were skeptical, questioning the investment in a 34-year-old who had struggled for form with both bat and ball over the previous two seasons.
Krunal Pandya Proved Why the Franchise Invested in Him
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have long faced challenges in finding the right balance between their spin attack and all-rounder options. However, Krunal Pandya proved why the franchise invested in him.
Pandya delivered a match-winning performance on debut, claiming 3 wickets for 29 runs in four overs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). It wasn’t a one-off performance but the beginning of a consistent run.
So far in the IPL 2025 season, Pandya has taken 14 wickets across 11 matches at an economy rate of 8.57. He has picked up wickets whenever the team captain needed a breakthrough throughout the tournament.
Krunal Pandya's Clutch Batting Performance Against Delhi Capitals
Krunal Pandya also delivered a clutch performance with the bat during their recent victory over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 27. Walking in at a precarious 26 for 3 on a difficult pitch during a tense run chase, the all-rounder anchored the innings with an unbeaten 73 off 47 balls.
The left-handed batter has scored 97 runs in five innings at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 129.33, with a best score of 73 runs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have 16 points this season, a tally that has typically been sufficient in recent IPL editions for teams to secure a spot in the playoffs.
He Knows Exactly What the Situation Demands - Navjot Singh Sidhu
In a video shared by Star Sports on YouTube, Navjot Singh Sidhu said that Krunal Pandya knows how to adjust to the demands of each situation. He added that Pandya’s ability to contribute both with the ball and bat has strengthened RCB’s middle order.
"Street-smart cricketer. He knows exactly what the situation demands and adapts accordingly. In the last over against Mumbai, he bowled a bouncer. Now tell me, who expects a spinner to bowl a bouncer? He took 4 wickets in that match. Then against KKR, he took 3 wickets," Sidhu said on Star Sports.
"He scored 70 runs (against Delhi Capitals). RCB were trapped, and even Virat Kohli had a tough time. In three matches, he’s taken 3 wickets here, 4 there, and scored 70-80 runs. When an all-rounder — dominates you like that, he strengthens the middle order big time."
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Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla... Read more
