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Veteran all-rounder Krunal Pandya once again does wonders for RCB as he nets the big fish in the form of Jos Buttler, who was the last hope for Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
RCB were already dominated by the big guns in Gujarat Titans’ batting lineup as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood got the job done very early within the powerplay.
The majority of the scoring was still coming from Gujarat Titans’ top-order, which could have given the defending champions a scare, but Josh Hazlewood struck early against the GT skipper while Bhuvi dismissed in-form Sai Sudarshan in the very next over.
Jos Buttler left stunned as Krunal Pandya tricks him out of his wits
Jos Buttler remained the only reliable batsman for the Titans. He was one of the top three batsmen of the team and contributed brilliantly with 500+ runs in the season. With Gill and Sudarshan back in the dugout, it was time for Buttler to break the shackles after a long spell at the crease.
In the last over of the game, Butler decided to walk down the pitch on the first ball of Krunal Pandya. However, it seemed as if he had almost sent a telegram to Pandya to inform him about his strategy. Pandya bowled it wide, beyond the reach of Buttler, and Jitesh Sharma was ready to pounce behind the stumps.
Sharma was very quick and Buttler had no chance to come back as he was caught in the trap laid by RCB maestro Krunal Pandya. While celebrating Butler’s wicket, Pandya got excited and started roaring like a lion.
The final man is doing what he does best!
Krunal Pandya dismisses Jos Buttler and #RCB are roaring
Update https://t.co/Yz6K3q6w0X#TATAIPL | #last | #TheFinalLeap | #rcbvgt pic.twitter.com/L3UkTRyhBg
– IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 31, 2026
Krunal eyes 5th IPL title to match Hardik Pandya’s trophy cabinet
Royal Challengers Bangalore team not only has many big match winners but also includes many match winners.
It’s another final, and the world is watching another match of pure class and talent from the big Australian fast bowler. Josh Hazlewood may not have the same season in 2026 as he did in 2025; However, his importance on the RCB bowling deck remains everlasting.
Hazlewood matched his standards by taking two wickets in quick succession in the IPL 2026 final. Whenever they were called upon to attack, they provided significant successes. Hazlewood’s record in the final will definitely surprise any cricket fan.
Hazlewood has featured in five T20 finals and four ODI finals across franchise, domestic and international cricket tournaments, and has never lost a single final in his entire career.
Also read: Rajat Patidar loses his cool after controversial not-out call on Washington Sundar in IPL 2026 final
