Krunal Pandya has continued to play an important role for RCB in their IPL 2026 title defence, playing an important role both with the bat and the ball. In his second season with RCB, the veteran all-rounder has emerged as one of the team’s key performers while also impressing with teammate Virat Kohli’s unmatched intensity and work ethic.Krunal’s campaign has been highlighted by a brilliant match-winning knock against Mumbai Indians on 10 May, which pushed RCB to the top of the points table while knocking MI out of play-off contention. Battling severe stomach pains and visible physical discomfort, Krunal scored a sensational 46-ball 73 to lead Bengaluru to victory.The all-rounder has enjoyed another productive IPL season, recently completing 100 IPL wickets during RCB’s clash against Lucknow Supergiants. Along with his on-field contributions, Krunal has also provided balance and leadership to the team.
Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Superstars’, Krunal opened up about how much he admires Kohli’s preparation and passion for the game.“I’ve learned a lot just by watching Virat Kohli, the way he prepares for tournaments and the intensity he brings to every practice session. I’ve played with him for India when he was captain, and also against him. Now I’m lucky to share the dressing room with him again,” said Krunal.”What I’ve noticed is that his appetite is still incredible. These eyes don’t lie. The same intensity, the same hunger to improve in every net session. This is what makes it a waste. I believe he would still be one of the greatest ever if he had played in any era. And I think Virat still has a lot to give to the game,” he added.Virat Kohli is currently navigating the controversial IPL 2026 season for the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). While he began the campaign with dominant, high-strike-rate performances, he recently hit a rare lean patch, recording back-to-back ducks for only the second time in his IPL career. Kohli has scored 379 runs in 11 matches, maintaining his most aggressive strike rate of the season so far.
