Krunal Pandya celebrates wildly after dismissing Jos Buttler in IPL final (watch video) – RCB Dominance
A Tactical Masterclass in the IPL Final
The atmosphere at the stadium was electric as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced off against the Gujarat Titans in the highly anticipated IPL 2026 final. While the match featured several high-stakes moments, one specific dismissal turned the tide decisively in favor of the Bengaluru outfit. The seasoned all-rounder Krunal Pandya proved his worth once again, outsmarting one of the most dangerous batters in the world to put his side in a commanding position.
Early Dominance by the RCB Bowlers
RCB entered the final with a clear game plan: stifle the Gujarat Titans’ top order early and maintain consistent pressure. The intent was evident from the very first over. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, two of the most experienced campaigners in the tournament, delivered clinical spells during the powerplay that left the Titans reeling.
The pressure mounted quickly as Hazlewood claimed the crucial scalp of the Gujarat Titans skipper. Not to be outdone, Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned in the subsequent over to remove the in-form Sai Sudharsan. These early breakthroughs sent a clear message to the opposition: RCB was not about to relinquish their hold on the trophy without a fierce fight.
The Battle of Wits: Pandya vs. Buttler
With the top order dismantled, the responsibility fell squarely on the shoulders of Jos Buttler. Having scored over 500 runs throughout the season, Buttler represented the last legitimate hope for the Gujarat Titans. He had anchored the innings, but with his partners back in the dugout, the urgency to increase the run rate became palpable.
As the match reached a critical juncture, Buttler decided to change the tempo. On the first ball of Krunal Pandya’s final over, the England white-ball captain attempted to step down the pitch, looking to clear the ropes. However, it appeared that Pandya had read his intentions perfectly. Anticipating the charge, the RCB bowler dragged his length back and delivered the ball wide, well outside Buttler’s reach.
Behind the stumps, Jitesh Sharma was alert to the situation. Recognizing the opportunity, Sharma executed a lightning-quick stumping before Buttler could regain his balance. It was a masterclass in reading the game, turning a potential aggressive shot into a match-defining wicket.
The Celebration of a Champion
Following the dismissal, the emotions on the field were raw and unfiltered. Krunal Pandya celebrates wildly after dismissing Jos Buttler in IPL final (watch video), showing just how much the scalp meant in the context of the title decider. The roar of the RCB all-rounder resonated throughout the stadium, signaling that the momentum had swung entirely toward the Bengaluru side.
The wicket of Buttler effectively crippled the Gujarat Titans’ middle order, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the final overs. For RCB fans, this moment served as a highlight of the season—a perfect blend of tactical intelligence and raw competitive spirit.
Looking Ahead
While the match continued to unfold, this dismissal will undoubtedly remain one of the most talked-about moments of the 2026 season. The synergy between Krunal Pandya’s bowling variations and Jitesh Sharma’s reflexes behind the stumps showcased why this RCB squad has been so difficult to defeat. As the Titans struggled to recover from the loss of their main anchor, the championship trophy seemed destined for Bengaluru’s cabinet. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as this thrilling final concludes.
