“I’m close to 2,000 runs… but people forget my batting.” — that blunt admission from Krunal Pandya is now raising serious questions.
After years of being typecast, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder has finally broken his silence — and it’s turning heads ahead of Indian Premier League 2026.
⚡ Fast Facts
- Krunal hasn’t played international cricket in nearly 5 years
- Took 17 wickets in 15 matches in IPL 2025
- Scored a crucial unbeaten 73 vs Delhi Capitals
- Career IPL runs: 1,756 at 132+ strike rate
- Still aiming for an India comeback
🧾 Quick Gist (30 Seconds)
- Krunal says his batting is constantly overlooked
- Played a key role in RCB’s IPL 2025 title win
- Delivered match-winning performances with both bat and ball
- Feels he’s now in a stronger, more mature phase
- Ultimate goal: return to Team India
What Happened — And Why It’s Raising Eyebrows
In a podcast preview, Krunal Pandya made it clear: his role keeps changing, but his batting has never disappeared.
“Initially I was seen as a bowling all-rounder… then a batting one.”
That identity confusion might explain why his numbers — and impact — are often ignored.
But here’s the twist 👇
Despite being labeled inconsistently, he delivered one of the most crucial innings of RCB’s season — rescuing the team from 26/3 against Delhi Capitals.
📊 Key Performance Snapshot
| Key Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| IPL Matches | 118 innings |
| Total Runs | 1,756 |
| Strike Rate | 132+ |
| Best Score | 86 |
| 2025 Wickets | 17 |
Why This Suddenly Matters More Than Ever
RCB’s IPL 2025 triumph changed narratives.
Krunal wasn’t just a support act — he was decisive:
- Player of the Match in the final vs Punjab Kings
- Match-defining spell: 2/17
- Key partnership: 119 runs under pressure
And yet… the spotlight still leans toward his bowling.
👉 That disconnect is now fueling debate:
Are IPL roles limiting player recognition?
The Bigger Impact — Role Labels vs Reality
In modern T20 cricket, labels matter.
But Krunal’s case shows a deeper issue:
- Players get boxed into roles
- Multi-skill contributions go underappreciated
- Narrative often overrides performance
This isn’t just about one player — it reflects how teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru strategize and market their stars.
What Analysts Are Noticing
Cricket observers are starting to highlight a pattern:
- Krunal’s 2016 season (237 runs, SR 191+) hinted at elite batting potential
- His 73 under pressure in 2025* proved he still has it
- Yet opportunities remain inconsistent
🔍 Key Insight Box
- Batting chances: Limited
- Impact moments: High
- Recognition: Questionable
Contrarian View — Is He Overstating It?
Not everyone is convinced.
Some argue:
- His primary value still lies in bowling
- Batting consistency hasn’t matched top-tier all-rounders
- IPL teams optimize based on match situations — not sentiment
👉 So the real question becomes:
Is Krunal underused… or just correctly utilized?
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What Happens Next — The Real Test Begins
Krunal himself sounds confident:
“There’s no limit to what can happen.”
And that’s where things get interesting.
Watch for these triggers:
- His batting position in IPL 2026
- Whether RCB gives him consistent top-order chances
- Any movement toward India selection discussions
Because one thing is clear:
➡️ His national comeback dream is still alive
🔎FAQs
Why is Krunal Pandya saying his batting is overlooked?
He believes his contributions with the bat, including key innings like 73*, are often ignored due to changing role labels.
What were Krunal Pandya’s IPL 2025 stats?
He took 17 wickets and scored crucial runs, including a match-winning knock against Delhi Capitals.
Can Krunal Pandya return to Team India?
He hasn’t played internationally for nearly five years but has stated his goal remains to represent India again.
⚠️ Editorial Disclaimer
This article is an analytical rewrite based entirely on the provided source content. All facts, statistics, and statements are preserved without alteration. No events, quotes, or outcomes have been fabricated.