Krunal Pandya turned out to be a lethal weapon for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as the franchise successfully managed to defend their title, guided by the all-round contributions from the experienced cricketer. Krunal won his fifth IPL trophy as a player, which is also the joint second-most in the league. He shares the record with his brother and MI captain Hardik Pandya.

Speaking on RCB's win in 2026, Krunal has said that he is always motivated to win tournaments while playing, as it is a very unique feeling. According to the Ahmedabad-born, individual contributions on the field make a player feel happy about himself, but winning the championships makes the feeling a truly special one.

“Winning trophies has always been my biggest motivation in cricket because there’s no feeling quite like lifting a championship. Individual performances and match wins bring happiness, but winning a tournament is something truly special," Krunal said via JioStar after RCB defeated GT in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Furthermore, the cricketer added that he has always believed in the manifestation of goals at the team level, and in just eleven years of his career, he has managed to be a part of an IPL title-winning team five times.

"Throughout my career, I’ve always visualised and manifested success at the team level, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of sides that have achieved that.

To win a fifth IPL trophy in eleven years is incredibly satisfying, and I’m grateful for the journey and the opportunities that have come my way,” the experienced all-rounder added.

Krunal's all-round contributions saw him pick 14 wickets and 226 runs for the Bengaluru-based franchise. His economy rate of 8.41 and a batting strike rate in excess of 145 made him standout for the side in the nineteenth edition of the marquee tournament.