Not thinking that too far: Krunal stays focussed as RCB continue strong run

Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya said his team is not getting carried away after their dominant nine-wicket win over Delhi Capitals, stressing that consistency and sticking to the process remain key in the Indian Premier League.

The comprehensive victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday helped RCB strengthen their position in the standings, with six league matches still left in the season. However, Pandya made it clear that the team is not looking too far ahead.

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“The beauty of this league is every team has some world-class players. So you can’t think that far ahead in the tournament. It’s a very cliche thing, we all say that follow the process, trust the process. But, that only thing works. So, we are not thinking that, I mean, too far. Again, technically, just 60 percent of the games have been played and there are still more six league games to go,” Krunal said at the post-match presser.

“We just want to continue doing the right things more often than not. Just stick to the process and just how can we win those small battles where eventually, you can get the desired results, what you want. But, I mean, we are not thinking that too far,” he added.

With RCB pushing strongly towards a playoff spot, Pandya highlighted that success in the tournament still requires constant effort and focus.

“Right now, we are just thinking that how can we reach Ahmedabad (for the clash against Gujarat Titans) and be fresh for the game. I have always felt it’s a team game. For me, winning trophies is the ultimate goal because I always believe personal milestone fades away. But trophies build legacy. So, I have always played this sport to win trophies.
“When you are playing personally, right, you have to believe that you have the capability as a team and as an individual to win that. So, yes, I mean, but again, nothing comes easy in life. You just have to grind and work hard to get what you want,” he said.

‘Virat has changed the way people see the sport’

The match also marked a major milestone for the talismanic Virat Kohli, who became the first batter in IPL history to reach 9000 runs. Krunal praised Kohli’s consistency, discipline and influence on the game.

“Virat Kohli has been one of the greatest who has played, right? Obviously, the achievements he has in the last 15-20 years, since he has been playing in 2008, it has been unbelievable. I have said this before, to have that sort of consistency, and the hunger he has, I mean, kudos to him. He has changed the way people see the sport, right?

“From a fitness point of view, he has been the flag-bearer of that, how the fitness culture has come in India, in terms of that. Obviously, as an individual, when you achieve a milestone, you get 100 percent satisfaction that you have seen the result of all the hard work you have put in for so many years.

“So, whatever hard work we all do, we want that result. Obviously, he has so many achievements in his life, so I haven’t asked him how he is feeling because he has achieved so many things in such a big career. I hope he continues in the same way, and wins more matches for us, and gives happiness to everyone,” he elaborated.

Krunal also praised the calm and composed leadership of Rajat Patidar, saying the skipper’s temperament has been a defining influence on the team since their title-winning campaign in 2025.

“I mean, the way Rajat has led the team, it has been amazing. The best part of Rajat, what I have realised is that he gives confidence to the players and he allows them to be themselves in the game.

“The way his demeanour is calm and composed, that is also very important because as a leader, if you are in a calm and composed mindset, it makes a lot of difference. Already, when you are playing a match, your pressure is 10 on 10. So, someone like Rajat, who gives that calm demeanour, he helps the players a lot,” he said.