Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya talked about his strong cricket bond with his brother Hardik Pandya after RCB’s title-winning campaign. Krunal said that having siblings in the same profession provides valuable support, as they regularly discuss their game and help each other improve.
Royal Challengers, led by Rajat Patidar, successfully defended their Indian Premier League (IPL) title in the 2026 season. With this feat, the Bengaluru-based franchise became the third team to win consecutive titles a year after ending their 17-year wait for the first championship in IPL history.
When you have your brother with you – Krunal Pandya talks openly about the bond with Hardik Pandya
Speaking to Times of India, Krunal Pandya talked about the benefits of sharing his cricket journey with Hardik Pandya. The RCB all-rounder said that they regularly discuss technical and tactical aspects of the game, which helps both of them improve and perform better on the field.
“Of course, we have played together. We have always discussed cricket in terms of tactical, technical things which always helps. It has always been a good conversation, a very healthy conversation about cricket and how we can get better. When your brother also plays the same game, it always helps each other.”
Hardik Pandya had a disappointing IPL 2026 season as captain of Mumbai Indians, with the five-time champions finishing second from bottom in the points table. Early in his captaincy career, Hardik led Gujarat Titans (GT) to an IPL title and another final appearance before returning to Mumbai Indians.
10 trophies is not a bad number in the Pandya family – Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya expressed happiness over the success that he and Hardik Pandya have achieved throughout their careers. The all-rounder said it is special to reach such a milestone and attributed his achievements to God’s blessings.
“And, I mean, having 10 trophies in the Pandya family is not a bad number. God has been kind.” The IPL 2026 win was Krunal Pandya’s fifth league title. He had previously won four IPL trophies during his tenure with Mumbai Indians. Krunal and Hardik have won IPL five times each.
Instead of fighting for things that are not in your control – Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya also talked about the challenges of moving between different teams during his career. The all-rounder said he keeps his approach simple by focusing only on winning, whether he is playing for an IPL franchise or representing Baroda in domestic cricket.
“It’s part of the profession. Instead of fighting for things that are not in your control, I have kept it simple. I just want to win. So, for me, the agenda, even when I play for Syed Mushtaq Ali or Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, is just to win. I just want to win the trophy. I have accepted the fact that it is part of the game and playing the IPL. I don’t think too much about it.”
Krunal enjoyed a strong IPL 2026 season with both bat and ball. He took 14 wickets at an average of 30.35 and economy rate of 8.41. With the bat, the left-hander scored 226 runs in nine innings at an average of 37.66 and a strike rate of 145.80, his best IPL season since 2018.
