3 reasons why RCB signing Krunal Pandya at IPL 2025 Auction is the right move

After a patient Day 1 at the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in Jeddah, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sprang to life on Day 2 of the proceedings (November 25) by surviving an intense bidding war with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) to secure all-rounder Krunal Pandya's services for INR 5.75 crore.

The Baroda player was released by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after the 2024 campaign. He had recently put on a show while leading his domestic side at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. showcasing that he can become the perfect utility player.

On that note, let us take a look at three reasons why RCB signing Krunal Pandya at the IPL 2025 Auction is the right move.

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#1 Brilliant run-plug and defensive option at the Chinnaswamy

In recent years, the middle overs is the phase where RCB have lost the plot with the ball at home, which they are keen to make a fortress. Mohammed Siraj was exceptional with the new ball, but there was no one to take up the responsibility in the middle overs.

Wanindu Hasaranga did not have the best of records at the small venue, while the likes of Mahipal Lomror also could not make an impression. They often had to rely on Glenn Maxwell's bowling abilities, which made a spinner, who could make an impression in the middle overs, an absolute priority for RCB at the auction.

Now that they have brought in Suyash Sharma, who can be the aggressive wicket-taking option in the middle overs, he can complement well with Krunal Pandya. The left-arm spinner, known for his accuracy and economy rather than his wicket-taking skills, will be able to apply pressure from the other end.

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#2 Experienced IPL campaigner with a proven record

Krunal Pandya does not come across as a blockbuster signing, but he never was, However, his record proves that he is a hit more than a miss, and is as effective as a signing as they come.

Ability to run through his four overs economically with a wicket here and there, versatile with the bat, and being a gun fielder, he has the traits to excel across all departments.

He is also one of the few Indian names in the auction pool, with a proven track record and experience in equal proportion, making him a smart acquisition.

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#3 Can be the left-handed floater in a right-handed dominant batting unit and can assist Jitesh Sharma in finishing

RCB went hard for Venkatesh Iyer for the left-handed option in the batting order which is filled with right-handed batters like Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, and Liam Livingstone.

RCB have used Mahipal Lomror as a floater in the past whenever they needed a left-handed batter as a matchup against the opposition's leg spinners. Krunal Pandya can play a similar role, having done so for MI and LSG in the past.

If not as a floater, he can certainly assist Jitesh Sharma in the finishing department. The left-handed batter certainly has a slog in him, and could add brisk runs in the death overs while coming in the lower middle-order.