Krunal Pandya celebrates wildly after dismissing Jos Buttler in IPL final (watch

A Tactical Masterclass in the IPL 2026 Final

The stage was set for a classic encounter at the IPL 2026 final, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) looking to assert their dominance over the Gujarat Titans. As the pressure mounted, it was the experienced all-rounder Krunal Pandya who rose to the occasion. In a pivotal moment that shifted the momentum entirely, Krunal Pandya celebrates wildly after dismissing Jos Buttler in IPL final (watch), removing the last remaining hope for the Titans.

Early Domination by the RCB Bowlers

Before the iconic dismissal, RCB had already established a firm grip on the proceedings. The Gujarat Titans’ batting order, usually known for its explosive potential, found itself stifled by a disciplined bowling attack. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood set the tone early in the powerplay, putting the Titans on the back foot from the very first ball.

Josh Hazlewood delivered a crucial breakthrough by removing the Gujarat Titans skipper, while the evergreen Bhuvneshwar Kumar followed up by dismissing the in-form Sai Sudharsan in the subsequent over. These quick wickets left the Titans reeling, forcing them to rely heavily on the prowess of Jos Buttler.

The Battle of Wits: Krunal vs. Buttler

Jos Buttler, having amassed over 500 runs throughout the tournament, was the linchpin of the Titans’ innings. With his partners back in the dugout, the onus was entirely on him to accelerate the scoring and break the shackles imposed by the RCB bowlers. The match reached a boiling point when Buttler decided to step down the pitch on the first ball of Krunal Pandya’s final over.

In what can only be described as a display of immense cricketing intelligence, Pandya seemed to have anticipated the move perfectly. He delivered the ball wide, well beyond the reach of the advancing Buttler. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who had been reading the game expertly, was lightning quick behind the stumps, completing the stumping before Buttler could recover. The clinical execution left the Titans’ star batter stranded and effectively ended his side’s resistance.

A Celebration to Remember

The dismissal sparked a passionate reaction on the field. As soon as the bails were removed, Krunal Pandya celebrated with unmatched intensity, roaring like a lion as he realized he had captured the most important wicket of the match. This celebration captured the essence of the high-stakes final, illustrating the raw emotion and competitive spirit that defines the Indian Premier League.

Looking Ahead

With Buttler’s departure, the Gujarat Titans found it increasingly difficult to mount a comeback. The discipline shown by the RCB bowling unit, coupled with Pandya’s tactical brilliance, ensured that the trophy remained firmly within their sights. While the match continued, the dismissal of Buttler will undoubtedly go down as the turning point of the 2026 final.

This performance highlights the depth and tactical maturity of the RCB squad, who proved that they could handle pressure in the most demanding conditions. As the tournament reaches its conclusion, the focus shifts toward the post-match analysis and the crowning of the champions.

Stay tuned for more updates on the IPL 2026 Final as the celebrations continue.