As teams gear up for IPL 2026, discussions around past performances and standout players have once again taken center stage. Among these, one name that continues to grab attention is Krunal Pandya, who holds a rare and remarkable record in the history of the Indian Premier League.
The all-rounder has achieved something no other player has managed so far—winning the Player of the Match award in two separate IPL finals, making him unique in the league’s long-standing legacy.
A Record That Sets Him Apart
Krunal Pandya’s achievement is not just impressive but also historic. He remains the only cricketer in IPL history to win Player of the Match awards in two finals while representing two different franchises.
- First award: IPL 2017 (for Mumbai Indians)
- Second award: IPL 2025 (for Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
This rare feat highlights his ability to deliver under pressure on the biggest stage of the tournament.
Match-Winning Knock in IPL 2017 Final
The 2017 IPL final between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiant is still remembered as one of the most thrilling low-scoring encounters.
Batting first, Mumbai Indians managed a modest total of 129 runs in 20 overs. In a match where every run mattered, Krunal Pandya played a crucial innings.
He scored a composed 47 runs off 38 balls, hitting three boundaries and two sixes. His knock provided much-needed stability and helped Mumbai post a competitive total.
Although he didn’t pick up any wickets in that match, his batting performance proved decisive as Mumbai Indians went on to win the final by just one run. His contribution earned him the Player of the Match award.
All-Round Brilliance in IPL 2025 Final
Fast forward to IPL 2025, where Krunal Pandya once again stepped up in the final—this time representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
In this high-scoring clash against Punjab Kings, RCB posted a strong total of 190 runs. While Krunal didn’t make a big impact with the bat—scoring just 4 runs off 5 balls—he made up for it with an exceptional bowling performance.
Bowling his full quota of four overs, he conceded only 17 runs and picked up two crucial wickets. His tight spell played a key role in restricting Punjab Kings to 184 runs.
RCB eventually won the match by 6 runs, securing their maiden IPL title. Krunal Pandya’s outstanding bowling effort earned him his second Player of the Match award in an IPL final.
Consistency Under Pressure
What makes Krunal Pandya’s record even more special is his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Finals are often decided by small margins, and delivering match-winning performances on such occasions requires exceptional composure and skill.
Whether it was stabilizing the innings with the bat in 2017 or delivering a game-changing spell with the ball in 2025, Krunal has proven his value as a dependable all-rounder.
Can This Record Be Broken?
With IPL continuing to evolve and new talents emerging every season, the big question now is whether any player will be able to match or surpass this unique record.
Winning even one Player of the Match award in an IPL final is considered a huge achievement. Doing it twice, across different teams and years, makes Krunal Pandya’s feat even more extraordinary.
Final Takeaway
As IPL 2026 approaches, Krunal Pandya’s rare record serves as a reminder of how impactful all-rounders can be in cricket’s biggest moments. His performances in two finals have not only helped his teams win titles but have also etched his name in IPL history.
Whether this milestone will be broken in the future remains to be seen, but for now, Krunal Pandya stands alone as the only player to achieve this remarkable feat.
