Virat Kohli's former teammate from the 2008 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad, Zaheer Khan, has credited Krunal Pandya for the win against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
The final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, witnessed RCB lifting their first-ever IPL trophy as they defended a target of 191 against Punjab Kings.
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Throughout the season, the team received contributions from multiple players, which made the title win even sweeter. Among them, Krunal Pandya has been the highlight with both the bat and ball, when his team needed him the most.
Krunal proved his worth once again when it mattered the most, as he gave away just 17 runs in his quota of four overs and picked up two crucial wickets of Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis. Many believe that Krunal's spell was key in turning the match in RCB's favour after Punjab's good start at the beginning of the chase.
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Zaheer Khan credits Krunal Pandya for RCB's IPL 2025 final victory
Virat Kohli's former teammate, Zaheer Khan, has lauded 'one man' Krunal Pandya for his heroics in the IPL 2025 final, which ultimately led RCB to their first-ever title.
Khan, who was teammates with Kohli in 2008 at RCB, revealed in a conversation with Cricbuzz that Krunal Pandya was the actual difference maker in the high-voltage clash.
"The RCB fans were waiting for this moment eagerly. There was a lot of buzz back in Bengaluru for the team to go the distance and they have not disappointed them. First half, you are thinking that maybe you are 15-20 runs short and Punjab is definitely gonna fancy their chances."
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Khan felt that Krunal's spell in the middle overs proved to be decisive, as it brought RCB back into the game.
"But I think that one man who needs to be credited for RCB's comeback is Krunal. In the middle phase, he bowled that superb spell of just 17 in four overs, taking two crucial wickets. I think that's where the game was made for RCB. It looks like Punjab came close but I think they fell behind in the game through that spell from Krunal."
He also mentioned that defending 190 on the Ahmedabad pitch was always going to be difficult, and Krunal should be rightly credited for initiating RCB's comeback into the game.
"That is something which was very important. To defend 190 was always going to be challenging especially when they started so well. So I think for that middle phase, the credit has to be given to Krunal to bowl that kind of a spell there."
What next for RCB and Krunal Pandya?
Krunal Pandya will be joining his teammates for an open bus parade in Bengaluru as RCB plans to extend their trophy celebrations to the fans for their unwavering support over the years.
Follow LIVE updates here: RCB's IPL 2025 victory parade: Virat Kohli & Co. celebrated in Bengaluru streets