In an era where power hitters dominate highlight reels and scorecards swell at breakneck speed, it is easy to assume that T20 cricket belongs almost entirely to batters. Yet, every so often, a bowler disrupts that narrative and forces the spotlight to shift. This season, Krunal Pandya has done exactly that in the Indian Premier League.
For Krunal, reinvention has not been a choice. It has been a necessity. Since joining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru last season, he has steadily carved out a new identity. He is no longer just a dependable all-rounder. He has emerged as one of the most intriguing bowling forces in the competition. In a tournament where innovation often dictates survival, Krunal has leaned into change with intent.
While his younger brother, Hardik Pandya, continues to thrive as one of the premier all-rounders in world cricket, Krunal’s journey has taken a different route. It is a path built on experimentation and adaptation. Rather than following the same template, he has focused on discovering new ways to stay relevant in a format that constantly pushes its limits.
This season, that evolution has been impossible to ignore. Krunal has added unexpected dimensions to his bowling. He delivered quicker balls, touching 120 kph. He has mixed in surprise bouncers. He has even deployed a low side arm action that disrupts a batter’s rhythm. These are not variations used for novelty. They are calculated responses to a format where predictability is quickly punished.
REINVENTION THROUGH NECESSITY
The motivation behind this constant evolution comes from his mindset as much as his skill.
“As for pressure situations, I have always thoroughly enjoyed them,” Krunal said in an interview with JioHotstar. “I suppose many of the things I’ve implemented in my cricket have actually been learnt from life itself. I’ve always believed that you possess only one mind. The very same mind you use to navigate life is the one you usually play sports.”
That outlook has shaped his approach. He does not shy away from pressure. Instead, he treats it as an opportunity to test himself and grow, something that also informs how he looks at his broader goals.
“There is nothing greater than playing for one’s country,” he added. “However, I focus on what is actually within my control, how I can perform consistently, and how I can contribute to the team’s victory.”
THRIVING UNDER PRESSURE
It is a grounded perspective. It places emphasis on process rather than outcome. At the same time, it allows him the freedom to challenge conventional thinking, something that becomes evident when he speaks about his innovations.
“I mean, what I’m saying is, why should fast bowlers have all the fun?” he said. “So, I told myself, now it’s time for the spinners to get in on the action too.”
That belief has translated directly onto the field. In a format that often favours batters, Krunal has found ways to push back. He has forced opponents to rethink their approach. He has made them react instead of dictate.
“But honestly, whatever has been happening so far has been going really well,” he said. “And since people everywhere are even trying to copy it, it feels great to have set a trend like this.”
STAYING ONE STEP AHEAD
Beneath the innovation lies a deeper understanding of how the game has evolved. Having been part of the IPL since 2016, Krunal has witnessed the rapid transformation of batting.
“Every single year, you see an evolution in batting techniques,” he explained. “Sometimes, standing there at the top of your run-up, you genuinely find yourself wondering where on earth should I bowl? Because it feels like no matter where you aim, the batsman is poised to hit it.”
That challenge has driven his creativity. Instead of sticking to familiar methods, he has actively searched for ways to stay ahead.
“So, what else can I add to my bowling repertoire to ensure that I remain, once again, one step ahead?” he said, reflecting on his approach this season.
This pursuit of improvement has not happened in isolation. Krunal acknowledged the role of his support system, particularly RCB’s spin bowling coach Malolan Rangarajan. The backing he has received has allowed him to experiment without hesitation.
“When a coach supports you as he does, it makes a huge difference,” Krunal said. “If I say, I want to bowl this delivery, or I want to try that, he instils a great deal of confidence in me.”
As the IPL continues to evolve, the challenge for bowlers grows tougher with each passing season. Batters continue to raise the bar. New scoring methods emerge. Margins for errors shrink.
Yet, players like Krunal Pandya are showing that adaptation can still tilt the balance. By embracing change, trusting his instincts, and committing to constant improvement, he has found a way to stand out in a format that rarely offers bowlers sustained control.
In what is often seen as a batter’s game, Krunal has carved out his own space. He has not followed the trend. He has worked to redefine it.
