In a bittersweet moment at the Raipur stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Krunal Pandya became the architect of his former team’s downfall. While his match-winning performance officially eliminated the Mumbai Indians (MI) from the IPL 2026 playoff race, an emotional Krunal revealed that his heart still holds a special place for the "Blue and Gold" family.

The Heartbreak in Raipur: Krunal’s Masterclass

In a high-stakes encounter, Mumbai Indians set a competitive target of 167 runs. RCB chased it down in a nail-biting finish on the final ball, winning by two wickets. The backbone of this victory was Krunal Pandya, who played his best innings of the season:

• Runs: 73 off 46 balls.

• Impact: 5 massive sixes and 4 fours.

• The Struggle: Krunal battled through intense physical pain, suffering from severe cramps that spread from his calves to his hips and back.

"I don't usually bat that long, but I wanted to stay and fight for RCB," Krunal shared, proving his mettle in a "victory written in the face of pain."

"Bonds That Are Eternal": Tributes to Pollard and MI

Following the match, the focus shifted from the scoreboard to the soul. Krunal spent six transformative years at Mumbai Indians, a period he describes as the best of his career. He grew particularly emotional when discussing MI legend and current support staff member, Kieron Pollard.

• The GOAT: Krunal hailed Pollard as the "Greatest of All Time" in the T20 format.

• Brotherly Love: He referred to Pollard as his "elder brother," reminiscing about the 2021 season—the last time the "Pandya Brothers" and Pollard shared the field for MI.

• The Core: Krunal noted that the trio was once the mainstay of the Mumbai franchise, forming a bond that transcends team jerseys.

A Bittersweet Elimination

While Krunal’s 73-run blitz secured RCB's path forward, it simultaneously ended Mumbai Indians' dreams for IPL 2026. For fans, seeing Krunal script such a dominant performance against his former side—while simultaneously paying a tearful tribute to them—was one of the most poignant moments of the tournament.

Match Summary:

• MI: 166/7 (20 overs)

• RCB: 167/8 (20 overs)

• Result: RCB won by 2 wickets.

• Player of the Moment: Krunal Pandya (73 runs).