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Watch: Krunal Pandya’s savage ‘5 trophies’ gesture sparks hilarious reaction fro

Rahul Verma · · 3 min read
krunal pandya and rcb teammates
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A Moment of Pure Joy and Playfulness

The atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was electric on the night of May 31, 2026. As the final ball was bowled and the reality of back-to-back championships set in, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players erupted in pure jubilation. Amidst the professional triumph, a light-hearted, viral moment captured the hearts of fans everywhere: Watch: Krunal Pandya’s savage ‘5 trophies’ gesture sparks hilarious reaction fro the team, particularly icons like Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar.

The Gesture That Stole the Show

During the official post-match photo session, the RCB squad gathered behind their championship banner to commemorate their historic second consecutive IPL title. While most players chose to flash two fingers to signify their back-to-back success, Krunal Pandya, a vital cog in the team’s engine, decided to make a statement of his own. He proudly raised five fingers, reminding the world of his personal milestone: winning five IPL trophies throughout his illustrious career.

The reaction was instantaneous. Virat Kohli, ever the character on and off the field, erupted in laughter, pointing directly at Krunal in sheer amusement. Captain Rajat Patidar joined in with a wide smile, acknowledging the veteran all-rounder’s cheeky contribution to the team’s celebratory vibe.

Krunal Pandya: A Winner Through and Through

Krunal Pandya’s accomplishment is truly elite. Having secured three titles during his tenure with the Mumbai Indians, his move to the Lucknow Super Giants and subsequent transition to RCB in 2025 have solidified his status as one of the most successful players in the history of the league. With this latest victory, Krunal enters a prestigious club of five-time winners, which includes legends like MS Dhoni, Kieron Pollard, and his brother, Hardik Pandya. Currently, the record for most titles remains at six, held by the iconic duo of Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu.

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His performance throughout the 2026 season was nothing short of instrumental. Providing vital balance with his left-arm spin and reliable lower-order batting, Krunal contributed 226 runs and claimed 14 wickets, proving that his presence is as much about skill as it is about the winning culture he brings to the dressing room.

The Final: A Clinical Display by RCB

The road to the trophy was paved with tactical brilliance. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, RCB’s bowling unit was ruthless. Rasikh Salam led the charge with three wickets, supported brilliantly by the seasoned duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who picked up two wickets apiece. Despite a valiant 50 off 37 balls from Washington Sundar, the Gujarat Titans were restricted to a total of 155/8.

In response, the chase was aggressive and focused. Venkatesh Iyer set the tone early with a blistering 32 off just 16 balls. However, the anchor of the evening was undoubtedly Virat Kohli. In a display of pure class, Kohli hammered an unbeaten 75 off 42 deliveries. His fifty, which came up in a mere 25 balls, served as the fastest of his tournament campaign and effectively sealed the title for Bengaluru.

Reflecting on a Historic Season

By securing the win, RCB has officially joined the ranks of the elite, becoming the third franchise in league history to win back-to-back titles, standing alongside Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. The camaraderie shown in the celebration, highlighted by the light-hearted banter between Krunal and Kohli, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this winning squad. It was a season defined by discipline, explosive batting, and the kind of team spirit that keeps the fans coming back for more. As the dust settles on IPL 2026, the image of Krunal’s five-finger salute will remain a highlight of a tournament that truly had it all.

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Rahul Verma

Rahul Verma is a senior cricket correspondent for NDTV Sports, recognised for bringing broadcast‑style clarity and data‑enriched narratives to digital sports journalism. A proud graduate of Hansraj College, University of Delhi, he started his career in radio commentary before moving into newsroom reporting. Rahul’s ability to decode complex match situations with the precision of an analyst and the flair of a storyteller has made him a trusted voice for millions of NDTV viewers and readers. He covers the Indian team across all formats and is a constant presence during the IPL, where he combines ball‑by‑ball coverage with behind‑the‑scenes insights on team strategies. His reporting also shines a light on the thriving grassroots cricket scene in North India, unearthing talent from school tournaments to state‑level age‑group cricket. A recipient of the Exchange4media Broadcasting Award and a RedInk prize, Rahul believes the best cricket stories are told with equal parts data, drama, and heart.