Krunal Pandya’s Fiery Spell Floors ₹23.75 Crore Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2025 Opener
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya delivered a stunning performance in his debut match, helping his team crush Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their own backyard. The biggest talking point? He completely outfoxed ₹23.75 crore buy Venkatesh Iyer, sending him back for just 6 runs.
How Krunal Pandya Outplayed Venkatesh Iyer 🎯🔥
💥 KKR had high hopes from their vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer, who was the third-most expensive player of IPL 2025. But Pandya had other plans!
🔹 12th over - The Mind Game Begins
Iyer walked in at No.4, choosing to bat without a helmet, confident against RCB’s spinners. However, Pandya saw an opportunity.
🔹 Bouncer to Unsettle Iyer 👀
Pandya bowled a sharp bouncer that went for a wide, but it rattled Iyer, forcing him to call for his helmet.
🔹 Next Ball - Wicket Gone! 🎯
Pandya then bowled a quick, flat-length delivery, which Iyer misjudged while playing on the back foot. The ball crashed into the stumps, and Eden Gardens was stunned!
📌 Iyer’s Dismissal Stats: 7 balls | 6 runs 😱
👀 Pandya celebrated in style, giving Iyer a fiery send-off, showing how much this wicket meant!
— kuchnahi123@12345678 (@kuchnahi1269083) March 22, 2025
Pandya’s Stunning Comeback with the Ball 🔥
While Pandya was the match-winner, his start wasn’t ideal:
⚠️ Powerplay Nightmare: He conceded 15 runs in his first over, getting hit for 2 fours and a six.
✅ Sensational Comeback: In his next 3 overs, he gave away just 14 runs and took 3 crucial wickets:
-
Ajinkya Rahane (56)
-
Venkatesh Iyer (6)
-
Rinku Singh (12, bowled last ball of his spell)
📊 Final Bowling Figures: 4 overs | 29 runs | 3 wickets 🎯🔥
This brilliant spell ensured that KKR, despite their explosive start, could only manage 174/8 in 20 overs.
RCB’s Batting: Kohli, Salt Steal the Show 🏏
✅ RCB chased 175 with ease, thanks to:
🔥 Phil Salt (56 off 33) - Set the pace early.
🔥 Virat Kohli (59 off 41)* - Played the finisher’s role.
🔥 Rajat Patidar (34 off 19) - Led from the front as captain.
🔹 Final Score: KKR - 174/8 (20) | RCB - 177/3 (16.2)
🔹 RCB won by 7 wickets with 22 balls remaining 🚀
Conclusion: Krunal’s Dream Debut for RCB 💪
RCB’s ₹5.75 crore investment in Krunal Pandya has already paid off. His ability to turn the game around with the ball makes him a game-changer for RCB this season.
💬 Do you think Pandya can continue this form? Can RCB finally win their first IPL title? Share your thoughts below! 🔥🏆
