Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya dedicated the team’s IPL 2026 title win to the fans, especially those who tragically lost their lives during last year’s victory celebrations. The veteran cricketer said that the immense love and support of the fans will continue to inspire the franchise.
IPL 2026 ended with Royal Challengers Bangalore defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) to win their second consecutive title. The win helped RCB successfully defend the trophy they won last season and marked another major achievement for the franchise after ending their 17-year wait for the first IPL title in 2025.
This title was also for those who lost their lives – Krunal Pandya
Speaking to Times of India, Krunal Pandya talked about the strong support RCB has received from the fans throughout the season. The all-rounder said the players felt a responsibility to repay that support and also expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy that struck during last year’s victory celebrations.
“100 per cent. There is no doubt about it. I have only been at RCB for two years, but the love I have received from fans everywhere is unbelievable. Virat has said this before – for us, it is like having 14 home games. It is true. Be it Guwahati, Raipur or Ahmedabad, people were supporting RCB.”
“The fans are the heartbeat of this team. They waited 18 years to taste success. They are the core part of the team and give us tremendous support. What happened last year was very unfortunate. My condolences to the families. This title was also for those who lost their lives and for the fans.”
Whatever you say about RCB fans is not enough – Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya talked about the incredible support Royal Challengers Bangalore receives from its fans. The all-rounder said the love for the franchise is immense and extends across all age groups, from elderly supporters to young children.
“To be honest, this is a question I am also trying to figure out. Whatever you say about RCB fans is not enough. The amount of love is tremendous. I remember when I was picked by RCB two years ago, I was playing Ranji Trophy in Nashik and the elders would come and say, ‘Son, RCB should win this time.’ Then small children will also say the same thing.”
Krunal joins the Bengaluru franchise in 2025 after spending three seasons with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). During the IPL 2026 league stage, RCB received strong support across multiple venues, with even the away matches in Guwahati, Raipur and Ahmedabad attracting large crowds.
He’s probably RCB’s number one fan – Krunal Pandya on his son’s love for the franchise
Krunal Pandya told that Royal Challengers Bangalore has become a part of his family life. The all-rounder revealed that his four-year-old son is a big supporter of RCB and is completely attached to the team and its players.
“My son is four years old and understands everything. He has been traveling with me for the last two years. He is probably the number one fan of RCB. If I have to describe an RCB fan, I tell people to look at my son. He is passionate about the team and the players.”
Krunal made valuable contributions with both bat and ball in IPL 2026. He took 14 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 8.41. With the bat, he scored 226 runs at an average of 37.66 and a strike rate of 145.80, his best IPL season since 2018.
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