In a gripping IPL 2026 match, Krunal Pandya's performance led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a dramatic two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Raipur. Krunal scored 73 runs, playing a pivotal role in chasing down 167 runs. Post-match, he became visibly emotional while discussing his bond with Kieron Pollard, a key figure in MI's history. Reflecting on their shared experiences during his six seasons with MI, where he won three IPL titles, Krunal referred to Pollard as a 'big brother' and expressed his admiration for him as a 'terrific human being.' Ian Bishop, who conducted the interview, noticed the strain in Krunal's voice and apologized, allowing him to leave. This match not only marked a significant win for RCB, placing them at the top of the table, but also ended MI's playoff aspirations, adding complexity to Krunal's feelings of loyalty and professional achievement.