Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting coach and mentor, Dinesh Karthik, commended left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya for his innovative approach in T20 cricket. Pandya’s unique bowling style, including surprise bouncers and varied pace, has earned him eight wickets in IPL 2026 at an average of 28.75.
Karthik highlighted Pandya’s role as a trendsetter in redefining finger-spinning, noting his strategic use of unconventional deliveries to unsettle batsmen. He emphasized Pandya’s mental acuity in applying these tactics effectively, making him a standout cricketer.
In addition to Pandya, Karthik praised RCB skipper Rajat Patidar for his exceptional batting performance, accumulating 238 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 210.61. Patidar’s dedication to improving his game and his ability to dominate bowlers have impressed Karthik and the team.
Karthik also lauded Patidar’s leadership qualities, attributing his success to a supportive team environment led by vice-captain Jitesh Sharma, along with senior players like Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He described Patidar as composed, knowledgeable, and capable of making crucial decisions under pressure.
Regarding Jitesh Sharma’s progress as a wicketkeeper, Karthik acknowledged his hard work in enhancing his skills and catching efficiency. Sharma’s improved performance behind the stumps, credited to diligent practice and coaching support, has been evident in his exceptional catches during the tournament.
