New Delhi

Krunal Pandya said Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s emphatic win over Delhi Capitals was the result of skill and smart planning rather than any difficulty in the pitch.

Reflecting on the nine-wicket victory, Krunal credited pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood for dismantling Delhi’s batting line-up.

“To get six wickets in the powerplay, you have literally taken the game away from the opponent. The wicket wasn't that bad, but it was pure skill set and why they are among the best,” he said.

Krunal also spoke about evolving his own bowling in the Indian Premier League, saying he introduced variations such as bouncers and changes in trajectory to stay ahead of batters.

“Every year the opposition prepares for you, so it becomes a mental game as well. I was thinking what I can add to be one step ahead,” he said.

The left-arm spinner added that bowling a bouncer as a spinner requires fitness and confidence, but he viewed it as a challenge. He said many of his innovations were developed while playing on matting wickets earlier in his career, where he had to improvise after being attacked by batters.

Despite RCB’s dominant display, Krunal said the team was not looking too far ahead in the tournament. Bengaluru currently sit second on the table with 12 points from six wins in eight matches and are among favourites for a top-two finish alongside Punjab Kings.

The 33-year-old also praised Virat Kohli for his longevity and impact on fitness standards in Indian cricket.

READ MORE: Veteran journalist, author Seema Mustafa raised the bar for scribes

“To have that consistency for so many years is unbelievable. He has changed the way people see fitness in the sport,” Krunal said.