“RCB, RCB!” — the chants echoed around the packed Narendra Modi Stadium as Krunal Pandya wrapped up a sensational bowling effort in the IPL 2025 final, giving Royal Challengers Bengaluru a strong grip on the contest.

On a night when runs have flowed and the pitch offered little to spinners, Krunal produced a game-changing spell of 4-0-17-2. His tight lines and clever variations stifled Punjab Kings, who now find themselves under serious pressure needing 90 runs off 42 balls.

The latest strategic timeout reflected the shift in momentum — “On the night that matters most, Krunal has managed 4-0-17-2 in a high-scoring game at a venue that’s not known to be spinner-friendly. Huge contribution from him. PBKS feeling the heat,” read the live commentary.

Krunal’s spell included the key wicket of Josh Inglis, who had kept Punjab in the hunt with a brisk 39 off 23 balls. His dismissal, along with the rising required rate, has tilted the balance heavily in RCB’s favour.

While 90 off 42 is still mathematically possible, it will be far from easy with experienced campaigners like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar set to bowl key overs at the death.

As the crowd roars behind them, RCB now have one hand on the trophy — it is their game to lose from here.