India, May 11 -- It wasn't just cramps that Krunal Pandya was battling on Sunday night in Raipur. After producing a knock reminiscent of Glenn Maxwell's 2023 World Cup classic, Krunal - who carved out a match-winning 73 to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Mumbai Indians - revealed proof of another painful injury battle.

For most of IPL 2026, RCB did not require much from Krunal with the bat, such was the dominance of their top and middle order. But on Sunday, he was promoted to No. 5 after captain Rajat Patidar fell in the final over of the powerplay.

Midway through the chase, Krunal battled severe cramps and virtually batted on one leg, smashing an unbeaten 73 off 46 balls in a tense last-ball thriller while anchoring RCB's pursui...