On a night that was filled to the brim with adrenaline, nostalgia, and pure emotion, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke their 10-year Wankhede jinx — and at the center of this triumph was the unmatched Krunal Pandya, who wrote one of the most edge-of-the-seat final-over thrillers of IPL 2025 in RCB vs MI IPL match.
But what made the moment so charged was the Pandya vs Pandya fight — with Krunal commanding RCB and his younger brother Hardik Pandya commanding Mumbai Indians (MI). And when finally the dust had settled on a 12-run thriller, remaining upright was but a solitary Pandya.
RCB’s Long-Awaited Wankhede Victory
RCB ended their Mumbai Wankhede jinx after a decade-long wait. RCB for a decade couldn’t breach the blue tide at this iconic venue. But on April 7, 2025, they re-wrote history.
And it was not just the victory — it was the way they went about it.
Justifying a score a few runs short on a flat pitch, RCB was in danger when MI required only 19 off the last over with wickets to spare. That is when Krunal Pandya was introduced in a stadium where he had celebrated so many MI victories in the past.
Krunal’s Clutch Over: Ice in His Veins
Krunal, who bowled to his previous team and his own brother in the 20th over, took it back to the good old days and reminded us all why he is still one of the most under-rated all-rounders in the league.
Ball 1: Mitchell Santner holed out at long-off.
Ball 2: Deepak Chahar spooned a skier, and in great team work, Phil Salt and Tim David took an incredible boundary catch.
Ball 3-4: Dot balls — absolute gold in a tight over.
Ball 5: Naman Dhir attempted to drive over the ropes — got stuck on the fence!
Last over scores? 3 wickets in 5 balls — nail-biting finish.
Krunal was left on 4 for 45, and with that RCB had done the impossible — won at Wankhede.
‘I Feel for Hardik’: A Brother’s Genuine Emotion
Brotherly rivalry is another thing. Brotherly hatred is another thing. Brotherly love is another thing too.
At the post-match ceremony, Krunal was blunt and truthful.
“The relationship that we have, ultimately, we only knew one Pandya would win. He played well. I too wanted to win. I feel for him.”
It wasn’t a jibe. It wasn’t a show-off. It was a brother who just outplayed his brother but couldn’t quite bask in the glory — because the one he defeated was family.
“Love and affection we give each other is very natural,” Krunal said.
Drilling Down: Krunal’s Decade of Experience
Pressure? Sky-high. Expectations? Off the charts. Crowd? Electrified with people.
But Krunal demonstrated why experience is priceless.
“The number of games I have played in the last 10 years, whatever experience I got, it had to come at the right time,” he said.
He also talked about the importance of being fully committed to each delivery, and how positive thinking assisted him in delivering in crucial moments:
“Sometimes, you would want to commit but you come to know that it is required to commit 100 per cent. The execution takes a lot in your favor. I was definitive in a way where I wanted to commit with my heart.”
Hardik’s Knock: Grit but Not Enough
Hardik Pandya did not go quietly. He played a key innings, attempting to anchor the chase with big shots and free-running. But once he departed, MI’s run-chase began to fall apart.
Despite that, his display was a silver lining for the Mumbai Indians followers.
A Special RCB Win
The match was special because of several reasons:
- RCB’s first win in Wankhede in 10 years
- Krunal’s career-best RCB spell
- Emotional Pandya vs Pandya contest
- A final over to remember
RCB also won their first victory in IPL 2025 — and momentum into their next encounter with Delhi Capitals on April 10 in Bengaluru.
Fans React: Social Media Overflows with Emotions
Social media erupted with emotions:
“Brother vs Brother — But Krunal the Boss tonight!”
“RCB BREAK THE JINX! Wankhede belongs to Krunal Pandya!”
“Hardik fought hard, but big bro had other plans.”
Looking Ahead
For MI, back to the drawing board. They’ve produced flashes of genius but require improved death bowling and middle-order solidity.
For RCB, this victory is a confidence booster. Krunal’s leadership and pressure execution may be the difference as the tournament goes on.
And for fans? We saw a lovely story — not only of cricketing genius, but of brotherhood, emotional intelligence, and sportsmanship.
Final Thoughts
Krunal Pandya didn’t just win a match — he delivered a moment for the ages. And while one Pandya celebrated, the other walked away with grace. In a sport that often turns personal battles into public drama, these two brothers reminded us of the heart behind the hustle.
IPL 2025 is heating up, and if this match is anything to go by, we’re in for an emotional, exhilarating ride.
