New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya battled severe cramps on a challenging Raipur surface during the thrilling IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians. Stroke-making remained difficult throughout, but Krunal anchored RCB's tense chase with a gritty 73, combining resilience and calculated aggression while wickets fell regularly at the other end. Despite cramps in the latter half of his innings, the left-hander kept RCB alive, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar sealed the tense chase with a six in the final over.
His innings drew applause from fans, cricketers, and former cricketers. However, former Chennai Super Kings and India batter Subramaniam Badrinath sparked controversy with a comment during the match. As Krunal struggled with cramps and fell to the ground, Badrinath jokingly remarked that the opposition might have thought about "letting him die".
"Look there, he already had a cramp in his leg... it's as if the opposition said, 'Hey, you die from that cramp!' - but even then, it's okay (Rickleton helped him)," Badrinath said. His commentary drew criticism on social media from fans.
After the win, Krunal spoke to broadcasters about his ordeal. "Obviously, later on, cramps were very, very painful. I mean, it started from calf, hamstring, glutes and both legs. I was cramping," he said. "But again, I was very clear that I'm not going to go out. I'll fight through that pain, and I'll make sure that whatever I can contribute for the team, I'll do it."
He added, "Plus, this was a very, very crucial game for us. Especially at the fag end of the tournament, every game matters. So it was very clear that I'll fight through that pain and make sure that whatever and whichever way I can contribute, I'll contribute in that."
When asked how he managed to continue despite severe cramps, Krunal credited his mentality and focus. "I mean, sheer willpower, I'll say. Again, if you see over a period of time how I've played my cricket, I've always played without giving up, and I always cherish those tough situations. It was sheer willpower and courage that I did not want to give up," he concluded.
The match highlighted Krunal's determination and the intensity of the IPL playoffs race. Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score, news, schedule, points table, and the race for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
