<\/p>\n
Sunday saw the game tilt one way then another under floodlights in Raipur. A tough start left Royal Challengers Bengaluru gasping at 39 for 3 before five overs were done. Then came Krunal Pandya, steady where others faltered. His 73 runs arrived over 46 deliveries, each shot building something firm. Leadership from Rajat Patidar stayed quiet behind that rising scoreline. Once Krunal fell, pressure seeped back into the field like cold air. Yet hands didn\u2019t shake when two were required off the final bowl. The target was 167; they crossed it just as time blinked. Victory sat close, earned run by run.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s normal now, but it was a very tight match, overall I think, great game and especially KP (Krunal Pandya). I think he\u2019s the man who\u2019s done it for the team,\u201d said RCB captain Patidar after the game.<\/p>\n
Krunal stepped into the crease at position five. Who decided that? The captain replied, maybe with a shrug, it came from us. Team talks shaped it, slowly over time. His past innings mattered too. Earlier, he held the fifth spot too. Sure enough, we aimed to let him try again there \u2013 so far, solid results. Loads of know-how behind his steps. That kind of depth shows up when lights shine brightest. Pressure rises? He stays steady. Hard to believe, really<\/p>\n
Out came Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the experienced fast bowler, swinging the ball sharply during the opening innings. His rhythm stayed tight throughout, ending up with four wickets while giving away just twenty-three runs. Every delivery seemed to hold a threat, building pressure early on. The batters struggled to find answers against his nagging line and length. Four names found their way back to the pavilion thanks to his spell.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way he (Bhuvneshwar) controlled over the ball, his control over the ball, I think is super. And it\u2019s been difficult on a wicket that was two paced and variable bounce. I think it\u2019s very difficult to play him,\u201d said Patidar.<\/p>\n
Victory pushed RCB ahead in the standings<\/p>\n
\u201cRight now we are not bothered about the table because our mantra is to play on our strengths and play good cricket rather than looking on the table. I think bowlers have done a tremendous job there. Restricting them on 166, and that was, I would say, easily chaseable. But to be honest, I think we didn\u2019t deserve to win this match because we have a skillful batting lineup. So no matter how the situation and the pitch condition is, we are capable enough to chase those targets easily,\u201d Patidar concluded.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n