27 April,2026 03:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Krunal Pandya, Virat Kohli (Pic: File Pic)
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted history by clinching their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title in the previous edition.
Rajat Patidar-led men have been showcasing a stunning effort to defend their title. So far in the IPL 2026, the Royal Challengers have secured five victories in seven matches. They also have a net run rate (NRR) of +1.101 and 10 points.
They will now clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Monday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Ahead of the match, RCB's star all-rounder Krunal Pandya recalled how stalwart Virat Kohli shed tears of happiness after the team's historic triumph in the previous season.
Speaking about it, he said, "The ones who deserved it the most are Virat Kohli and the RCB fans. Virat has been an integral part of RCB from the first season. So, to win it, and see him get emotional was special. Watching him cry was an emotional moment for everyone, whether you are a fan or part of the team. I remember when we played against Chennai and were going out in the bus, the love people have for RCB is incredible, and that day I said on the mic that whatever happens, we must win the trophy for the fans. I am glad I said it and that we were able to deliver in the final".
He then said that representing India at the top-flight cricket is the number one moment of his career, but winning an IPL title for RCB is also one of his top moments.
"The fans deserved this trophy more than anybody else, and obviously, Virat as well. I am grateful to be part of something like this and to contribute in a small way. Playing for the country is number one for me, but winning for RCB, that too after 18 years, and having my best season while contributing well, has to be one of my top moments," Krunal said on JioStar.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, Swapnil Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Venkatesh Iyer, Phil Salt (WK), Rajat Patidar (C), Nuwan Thushara, Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Devdutt Padikkal, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam, Jordan Cox, Jacob Bethell, Vicky Ostwal, Mangesh Yadav, Suyash Sharma, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhinandan Singh, Kanishk Chouhan, Satvik Deswal.
Delhi Capitals: David Miller, Mitchell Starc, Dushmantha Chameera, KL Rahul (WK), Karun Nair, Axar Patel (C), Ben Duckett (WK), Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Rana, Kyle Jamieson, Lungi Ngidi, T. Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Pathum Nissanka, Ajay Mandal, Prithvi Shaw, Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Abhishek Porel (WK), Vipraj Nigam, Tripurana Vijay, Sahil Parakh, Madhav Tiwari.
