Krunal Pandya may not spin the ball sharply or unleash mystery deliveries, but his consistent performances and tactical intelligence make him a vital asset in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Often overlooked, Pandya has become a proven match-winner, particularly in high-pressure situations. His contribution goes beyond flashy numbers—he influences the game’s most pivotal moments with surgical precision.
Not Just Another Spinner: The Case for Krunal Pandya
When cricket fans list the top ten bowlers in the IPL, Krunal Pandya’s name might not spring to mind immediately. But look past the surface and numbers, and you’ll find a cricketer who thrives when it matters most.
In the IPL 2025 season, Krunal has ranked:
- 10th in overall wickets
- 7th in economy rate (among bowlers who delivered over 25 overs)
- 6th in impact as per ESPNcricinfo’s metrics
This data solidifies his position as one of the tournament’s most effective performers. His all-round contribution, including a match-winning unbeaten 73* against Delhi Capitals, places him as the second-most impactful player of the season.
Tactical Genius: How Krunal Dominates Without Mystery
Unlike traditional spinners who rely on sharp turn or deceptive flight, Krunal thrives on control, pace variation, and situational awareness. He knows where to pitch, when to pull back, and how to adapt based on the batter’s footwork and intentions.
Take the IPL 2025 final as an example. Pandya’s intelligent variations in pace and length left batters guessing. Despite lacking conventional spin traits, he has the tactical acumen that makes him incredibly effective in T20 cricket.
Sweeping Away the Sweep Shot
Spinners often dread being swept, but Krunal neutralizes this threat expertly. Across the season, he conceded just 65 runs to sweep shots, a figure significantly better than many of his peers. In the final alone, two attempted sweeps yielded zero runs. Nine spinners gave away more runs to sweeps—proof of Krunal’s disciplined lengths and sharp thinking.
Mastering Situations: Outthinking the Batters
Pandya’s decision-making during key moments is what separates him from others. When Prabhsimran Singh charged at him, Krunal bowled his slowest delivery of the match—81.49 kph—and smartly widened the line, anticipating Prabhsimran’s tendency to create room. The result? A wicket and a turning point.
Next, when Josh Inglis, Punjab Kings’ top performer that night, attempted an aggressive approach, Krunal responded with a sharp 100kph-plus ball aimed to cramp him. That delivery, too, earned him a wicket. It wasn’t just raw skill—it was meticulous execution backed by experience.
A Spell of Champions: 4-0-17-2 in the IPL Final
Bowling unchanged, Krunal returned a sensational spell of 4-0-17-2 in the final. With Royal Challengers Bengaluru defending the lowest first-innings total of the season—190 at Ahmedabad—Pandya’s discipline with line and length was critical.
- Only one overpitched delivery, which was a yorker.
- Zero deliveries in the ideal hitting zone (2-4m from the stumps).
- Against right-handers, only one ball pitched wider than a stump.
This level of accuracy and control under pressure is why championship teams value him highly.
Margin of Error: Precision Over Power
Even when erring, Krunal errs intelligently. In T20s, shorter deliveries are often safer than full ones. Throughout the match:
- Only five balls were shorter than 7m
- Just one ball was shorter than 8m
The only boundary he conceded came from a rare slow and short ball—an attempt that didn’t land as planned. His pace range, from 79.88 to 108.33 kph, kept batters unsettled. “It takes guts to slow it down in T20s,” Krunal remarked, recognizing that varying pace is often more effective than brute force.
Experience That Matters: The Winning Mentality
RCB coach Andy Flower summed it up best—Krunal was chosen for his temperament and experience in high-stakes matches. He rewarded that faith immediately, delivering a Player-of-the-Match performance in his very first outing in RCB colors.
Now, with four IPL titles, Krunal joins an elite group of only eight players to achieve this feat. It’s another top-10 list that, once again, he wasn’t expected to make—but did.
Conclusion: Krunal Pandya Deserves More Credit Than He Gets
Krunal Pandya may not be the flashiest cricketer in the IPL, but he is certainly one of the most effective. His deep understanding of T20 dynamics, combined with calm execution under pressure, makes him a priceless asset to any team. While others may dominate headlines with sheer power or mystery, Krunal dominates with brains, precision, and nerve.
