Emotional Krunal Pandya Ends MI’s IPL 2026 Campaign With Match-Winning Knock for RCB

There were numerous exciting incidents in the IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) played at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. After MI took the batting first and scored 167 runs, RCB successfully chased the target and won by scoring the required runs on the last ball. During the live coverage, Krunal Pandya was emotional enough for his voice to choke while talking about his short five-match tenure with Kieron Pollard that caused Ian Bishop to apologize.

Krunal was the star player in RCB's run chase, who scored 73 runs and guided the team to 167. This result ended Mumbai Indians' campaign with another close defeat. This moment, however, was significant for Krunal. He spent six seasons with MI between 2016 and 2021, winning three IPL titles. He became one of the franchise's most reliable all-rounders during the team's strongest periods.

Bonds that are ??????? ❤️??

? Heartwarming words from Krunal Pandya that hit you right in the feels as he remembers his time at @mipaltan ?#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RCBvMI | @krunalpandya24 | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/ifNpKSRnU3

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— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 10, 2026

After the match, Krunal spoke openly with Ian Bishop about his relationship with Pollard. Pollard was a key member of Mumbai Indians' title-winning team and remains a part of the franchise today. Krunal said, "Polly (Kieron Pollard) is my elder brother. I spent my best six years with Mumbai Indians."

I remember Kieron Pollard and the Pandya brothers being the mainstays of the team there. Obviously, it's an emotional moment, and I love Pollard very much. He's a wonderful person. He's the GOAT of this format, having won so many titles and matches. As he says, you can never suppress a good person.

That's the history behind Krunal's innings against MI. He wasn't just any former player facing his old team. He was one of the players who helped build the team's most successful era. His innings on Sunday propelled RCB to the top of the points table and ended MI's playoff hopes.

As Krunal continued speaking, his emotions became evident. Bishop sensed the tension in his voice and decided to end the interview quietly. Bishop said, "I can hear the tremor in your voice. So, I apologize for that. I'll let you go now."