Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik has praised left-arm spin all-rounder Krunal Pandya as a trendsetter for transforming finger-spin bowling in T20 cricket. Krunal has been a key bowler for RCB in IPL 2026, using innovative methods such as surprise bouncers, variations between slinging deliveries and the normal arm ball, and smart changes in pace to trouble batters.
In seven matches, Krunal has taken eight wickets at an average of 28.75 and an economy rate of 9.20. Speaking ahead of RCB's match against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Karthik said Krunal is doing something unprecedented for finger-spinners.
Karthik on Krunal's Impact
“Krunal Pandya is a player that this game is going to remember for a long time because he is doing something that has not been done before – pushing the boundaries of what a finger-spinner means. He is bowling deliveries that people really couldn't fathom a few years ago, and he is becoming a master at it,” Karthik said.
“He is using it very cleverly, very wisely when the situation demands, and he is using that as a strength to put pressure back on the batter. It's quite interesting to see how he goes about it mentally as well. He is not someone who is just doing it because it looks cool.”
“He knows that given the moment when he does want to use it, it creates doubt in the batter, and a lot of the time it delivers the result he wants. So he is someone who will be remembered as a cricketer, a trendsetter. Today, if you see many spinners trying different deliveries, a lot of credit must go to Krunal Pandya.”
Karthik added that Krunal is evolving as an all-rounder with every passing day, whether with the ball or the bat. “IPL is changing the landscape of cricket, and Krunal Pandya is changing the landscape of finger spin bowling,” he said.
Praise for Rajat Patidar
Karthik also commended RCB captain Rajat Patidar for his batting improvement. Patidar has scored 238 runs this season at a strike rate of 210.61. “Rajat Patidar is a good example of someone constantly upping his standards and the quality of shots he plays. As relaxed and calm as he is, he's a very thoughtful man who goes back at the end of the season, looks at areas where he can get better, and works on them through the season,” Karthik said.
