All-round Krunal proves he has the potential to be a match winner

Krunal Pandya grounds out six-wicket victory for Royal Challengers Bengaluru to send them top of the table after spinners restrict Delhi Capitals to a low total on a sluggish wicket.

- GNS News Agency, May 2

The buildup to this game was dominated by the homecoming of arguably the greatest cricketer this city has ever produced. Even as the expectant, boisterous crowd of the capital city continued to roar his name, it was impossible not to reduce the former Indian captain's 47-ball 51 to a well-anchored supporting role at best. It was Krunal Pandya on whose shoulders Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) marched to a sixth successive away victory to defeat the Delhi Capitals by six wickets here

They go top of the table with 14 points, their team coming together well, and their playoff chances now all but certain.Clawing themselves backlf DC felt they had a chance in defending their meagre total of 162 following a crucial late cameo from Tristan Stubbs, on a sluggish wicket where the ball was both turning and getting stuck in, with a three-pronged spin attack, RCB’s struggles to tame spin in the powerplay certainly would have heightened those expectations.Jacob Bethell had made an exciting IPL debut, after replacing Phil Salt in the lineup, before he fell to Axar Patel in the third over. Devdutt Padikkal would chop the ball onto his stumps a few balls later, and a mixup between Kohli and skipper Rajat Patidar would see the latter depart after being run out too.