Indian former player Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan was seen expressing his appreciation and showering praise on the RCB all-rounder, who has proved time and again why he has been the match-winner for the franchise. No surprises, the RCB star who was called “Gem for RCB” was Krunal Pandya.
Sivaramakrishnan said he might not be as flashy or flamboyant as other players, but he always got the job done and rescued RCB whenever they were in dire situations, either by batting through a collapse or by delivering a crucial breakthrough with a wicket.
"Krunal Pandya has been a revelation. Not many people talk about him; he has found ways to be successful. He bowls round the arm, he bats for them when needed- he does it all for them. Krunal Pandya has been a gem for RCB. He's not flamboyant, but he gets the job done, and that's what you want," he said in a conversation with KC Vijaya Kumar for The Hindu.
"Krunal Pandya has been a gem for RCB. He's not flamboyant, but he gets the job done, and that's what you want," says Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan. Here is what he has to say about the RCB fast bowler in conversation with KC Vijaya Kumar. Watch the whole conversation:… pic.twitter.com/dIcxsEg1wf
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) May 31, 2026
A proven match-winner and four-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champion, Krunal Pandya has had a stellar stint with RCB since 2025. He was the player of the match for RCB in the IPL 2025 finals, helping them get their debut IPL trophy after 18 years.
Krunal had an excellent run for RCB with his best bowling figures and clutch batting that led RCB to retain him for the 2026 season. He continued his stellar form in 2026, too, amassing 225 runs in 15 matches with a highest of 73 off 46 balls in a clutch situation to win a thriller against Mumbai. He has also scalped 13 wickets in 15 matches this season.
Krunal Pandya gets emotional speaking about ‘good old’ Mumbai Indian days
Krunal produced a heroic 73 off 46 balls despite battling severe cramps to guide RCB to a thrilling two-wicket win in Raipur, knocking out the Mumbai Indian in IPL 2026. During his post-match conversation, he went teary-eyed speaking about his former team and how Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya have shaped his career and the team.
“Kieron is my big brother, right? I mean, I had my best six years in MI. I remember the Pandya brothers and Kieron Pollard were in the engine room. We won a lot of games with bat, ball and fielding,” Krunal said.
“I still remember in 2021 when we were playing our last game, the three of us held each other's hands and felt like, okay, this is the last time we'll be able to play together. It was obviously an emotional moment again, but I love Kieron Pollard. He’s a terrific human being, a goat of this format, who won so many trophies and games,” he added, getting emotional.
Between 2016 and 2021, Krunal was one of MI’s most reliable crisis men, regularly stepping up with his willow and ball to deliver his best for the franchise. Krunal has always been the silent man and match-winner for the teams he played, not taking much limelight but always effective.
