Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya has said that his batting abilities are often overlooked, even as he continues to aim for a return to the Indian national team.

Speaking in a teaser for the RCB podcast, Krunal reflected on how his role has been perceived differently over the years and stressed that batting remains close to his heart.

“Batting is close to my heart”

“Every season, I have been tagged differently… initially a bowling all-rounder, then a batting all-rounder. Batting is close to my heart. I am close to 2,000 runs. People tend to forget my batting that much,” Krunal said.

The 33-year-old emphasised that despite being recognised more for his bowling in recent seasons, he has consistently contributed with the bat.

Key role in RCB’s title-winning campaign

Krunal played a crucial role in RCB’s historic IPL 2025 triumph, earning Player of the Match in the final against Punjab Kings with figures of 2/17.

He also finished as the team’s second-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets in 15 matches, behind Josh Hazlewood, who picked up 22 scalps.

Batting impact still significant

While his bowling dominated headlines, Krunal delivered a standout batting performance with an unbeaten 73 against Delhi Capitals.

Coming in at a precarious position with RCB struggling at 26/3 while chasing 163, his innings helped turn the match around and showcased his capability as a dependable batter.

Earlier in his IPL career, Krunal had made an immediate impact with the bat, including a blistering 86 in his debut season in 2016.

Overall, he has scored 1,756 runs in the IPL at an average of 22.22 and a strike rate above 132.

Domestic form reinforces batting credentials

Despite a modest outing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, Krunal bounced back strongly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 321 runs in seven matches at an average of 53.50, including a century and two half-centuries.

These performances underline his continued growth as a batting all-rounder.

Eye on India comeback

Krunal last represented India national cricket team in July 2021 against Sri Lanka national cricket team and remains determined to make a comeback.

“At the end of the day, nothing beats playing for the country… the goal remains the same, to represent India,” he said.

Despite intense competition in India’s T20 setup, especially after recent global successes, Krunal believes opportunities can arise at any time.

Experience brings confidence

The all-rounder added that he is now in a better place mentally and tactically, with a deeper understanding of the game.

“The sky is the limit and anything can happen at any moment,” he said, expressing confidence ahead of the upcoming season.

Conclusion

Krunal Pandya’s remarks highlight his desire to redefine how he is viewed as a cricketer. While his bowling continues to be a major asset, he is keen to remind fans and selectors of his batting prowess as he eyes a return to the national side.


(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)