Krunal Pandya played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful IPL 2026 campaign, contributing 226 runs and claiming 14 wickets across 16 matches. The triumph marked the fifth IPL title of his profession, having previously won three championships with Mumbai Indians in 2017, 2019, and 2020, before adding back-to-back titles with RCB in 2025 and 2026.
During RCB’s title celebrations, Krunal was seen holding up five fingers to suggest his total IPL trophy count. Virat Kohli quickly spotted the gesture and jokingly reminded him that he now represents RCB. Noticing Krunal flashing all five fingers, Kohli playfully told him to indicate only two, referring to the 2 titles he has won with Bengaluru.
The sunshine-hearted exchange left each Krunal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in splits. Watch the video here:
https://twitter.com/worshipVK/status/2061290029394412005/video/1?s=46
You’ll be able to see how eager Jitesh was to search out Kohli; he wanted him right next to the trophy. Love you, Jitu bhai.
https://twitter.com/worshipVK/status/2061302978649460885/video/1?s=46
Krunal Pandya Delighted After Winning Fifth IPL Title
Krunal Pandya expressed his delight on Monday after clinching his fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title, describing the milestone as a deeply rewarding experience. The all-rounder further enhanced his impressive IPL legacy by lifting a fifth championship trophy, including consecutive title wins with RCB in 2025 and 2026.
Prior to joining Bengaluru, he had been a part of three title-winning campaigns with Mumbai Indians. Pandya was also instrumental in RCB’s successful title defence throughout the 2026 season. Reflecting on the achievement while speaking on JioHotstar, he said:
“Winning trophies has all the time 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.”
He added, “Throughout my profession, I’ve all the time visualised and manifested success on the team level, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of sides which 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 which have come my way.”
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