Krunal Pandya credits Virat Kohli after his match-winning knock vs DC

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya has revealed the exceptional role played by the former skipper Virat Kohli as he went on to score 73* runs off 47 balls with five fours and four sixes to win the player of the match award against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday, April 27.

The left-arm spinner Pandya revealed his actual role in getting into the bat when RCB lost three quick wickets. He revealed that he was backed by Kohli when he was scratchy in the first few balls of his innings.

"It is always good to see the results. Sometimes, when you have put the hard work behind the scenes, it feels good when it comes off. It is quite satisfying. My role was clear. If we lose three early wickets, I can go in. Make sure we stitch a partnership. We have such great power hitters - David, Jitesh and Shepherd. We can take down the bowling. Glad that I fulfilled my role. When Virat is at the other end, it is quite easy. First 20 balls, It was scratchy for me. But he kept backing me. Then I got my mojo back. So, a lot of credit to Virat. I have always been an economical bowler," Krunal Pandya said in the post-match presentation.

Moreover, the all-rounder also added a few comments on his bowling. Notably, Krunal bowled four overs, conceding 28 runs and scalping the wicket of Faf du Plessis to open the game for RCB.

"As a bowler, I have always wanted to be one step ahead. I have worked on my bowling. So, if you see the variations in speed. Knowing the batsmen's strength, I am trying to use it to my advantage. I'm glad it's going in my favour. Over time, batting is improving. As a bowler, I have realised we need to be one step ahead. Bowling a bouncer and a wide yorker, I have been practising. I have bowled before as well. I want the batters to keep guessing what I have in my armoury," he added.

With the win against the Capitals, RCB moved to the pole position on the points table with seven wins and three losses, picking up 14 points at an NRR of 0.521.

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