Andy Flower’s faith in Krunal Pandya proves right as he shines for RCB in IPL 2025 opener against KKR

Krunal Pandya, the all-rounder bought by RCB for INR 5.75 crore in the mega auction, showcased in the first match why RCB’s coach Andy Flower targeted and signed him at that price. The 33-year-old took the three important wickets of Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh to restrict Kolkata to 174 after a flying start. 

After scoring over 100 in the first 10 overs Kolkata Knight Riders was looking for 220+ total but there comes the Krunal Pandya who was bought by  RCB on a good prize in a mega auction and dismissed danger-looking Ajinkya Rahane on 56 off 31 balls and quickly removes Venkatesh Iyer on just 6 runs to bring back RCB in the game. In his last over he took the wicket of Rinku Singh and with the help of these three wickets KKR managed to restrict KKR to 174.

‘Krunal was a significant part of our targeted players’ Andy Flower showed his faith in Krunal a day before the game 

In a press conference on Friday, Andy Flower praised Krunal and revealed why RCB targeted him. “Krunal was a significant part of our targeted players in the auction. He’s a smart and courageous cricketer and he’s got leadership experience as well. So having his nous, he’s a street-wise operator and he’s obviously got class as a left-arm spinner, let alone as an all-rounder. That is comforting to have in our group and leading the way in the spin department.”

Krunal Pandya has played a total of 128 matches in the IPL scoring 1647 runs and 79 wickets. He played a crucial role in MI’s success in 2017, 2019, and 2020 IPL victories. The 33-year-old can bat in the middle over as well as in the death and he is a wicket-taker in the middle overs.