The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 The season continues to produce unforgettable moments and thrilling confrontations both on and off the field Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) added another emotional chapter to the tournament. Although the high-pressure contest kept fans glued to the screens until the end, it was a candid post-match interview. Krunal Pandya It really struck a chord with cricket fans across the country.
Krunal, who won a match against his former franchise, was overcome with emotion as memories of Mumbai Indians’ glorious journey came flooding back. The veteran all-rounder, who represented MI from 2016-2021, spoke about the special bond he shared with his teammates during the most successful phase of his IPL career.
Krunal Pandya recalls Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya era after emotional MI merger
In a touching post-match interaction, Krunal could barely hide his emotions as he reflected on his unforgettable years with Mumbai Indians. The RCB all-rounder, despite struggling with cramps, played a fighting innings of 73 off just 46 deliveries and led Bengaluru MI to a dramatic win, pushing them further to the brink of an exit from the IPL 2026 playoffs.
However, it was his emotional tribute Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandyaand Mumbai Indians’ dressing room culture has drawn attention. Krunal said the following during an interview after the game:
“Polly is my elder brother. I had the best six years at MI. I remember the Pandya brothers and Kieron Pollard were in the engine room. We won many games with bat, ball and field. I still remember when we played our last game in 2021, the three of us held each other’s hands and felt good, this is the last time we will play together.”
Krunal then applauded Pollard “STOP this format” and praised him not only as a cricketer but also as a person who has played a major role in shaping MI’s winning culture over the years. He even fondly remembered Pollard’s famous line of motivation “You can’t keep a good man down.”
We present the video:
Bonds that are eternal ❤️🫂💙
🎥 Heartwarming words from Krunal Pandya that hit you with such feelings while remembering the times spent @mipaltan 🫶#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RCBvMI | @krunalpandya24 | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/ifNpKSRnU3
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 10, 2026
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RCB climbed to the top of the table after winning a last-ball thriller against MI
While the emotional post-match scenes took center stage, the on-field contest turned out to be one of the most dramatic games of IPL 2026. Royal Challengers Bengaluru moved to the top of the points table with a thrilling two-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in Raipur, while MI’s play-off hopes ended.
Mumbai Indians posted 166/7 after recovering from an early collapse through crucial knocks. Tilak Varma (57) and Plant Man (47). Bhuvneshwar Kumar He played with the ball for RCB, including picking up four crucial wickets Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.
In reply, RCB lost wickets regularly and were reduced to 39/3 in the power play. However, a 46-ball 73 from Krunal kept Bengaluru in the chase despite severe cramps. The match went to the last ball where RCB completed a nervy second run to seal a memorable win.
Also READ: IPL 2026 (WATCH): Rasikh Salam peaches Naman Dhir’s stumps in RCB vs MI.
