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

krunal pandya and rcb teammates

A Memorable Night in Ahmedabad

The IPL 2026 season concluded with a spectacular display of dominance from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who successfully defended their title to secure back-to-back trophies. While the victory over the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium was the primary focus, fans online have been buzzing about a specific, light-hearted interaction during the trophy presentation. Watch: Krunal Pandya’s savage ‘5 trophies’ gesture sparks hilarious reaction fro Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar, reminding the cricketing world that while the team was celebrating a second win, the experienced all-rounder was hitting a massive personal milestone.

The Viral Moment

As the squad gathered for the official post-match photographs, the atmosphere was electric. Most of the RCB players were seen holding up two fingers, a nod to the franchise’s consecutive IPL titles in 2025 and 2026. However, Krunal Pandya decided to inject his own brand of humor into the proceedings. He boldly raised all five fingers, signaling his personal tally of five IPL titles throughout his illustrious career.

The reaction was instantaneous. Virat Kohli, who had been orchestrating the celebration with infectious energy, caught sight of the gesture and broke into a fit of laughter, pointing directly at Krunal. Captain Rajat Patidar, standing nearby, shared a broad smile at the antics. The clip has since gone viral, showcasing the camaraderie and relaxed environment within the RCB camp following their hard-fought victory.

Krunal Pandya’s Remarkable Milestone

Krunal Pandya joining the elite club of five-time IPL winners is no small feat. The veteran all-rounder began his journey by winning three titles with the Mumbai Indians, followed by a transition to the Lucknow Super Giants, and finally finding his home at RCB. His contribution to the 2026 season was vital; he provided the side with exceptional balance, chipping in with both the bat and the ball whenever the team required it.

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Statistically, Krunal proved his worth throughout the 2026 campaign, contributing 226 runs and securing 14 crucial wickets. His presence in the middle order and his ability to bowl tight spells were instrumental in RCB’s ability to defend their title. He now sits alongside legends such as MS Dhoni, Kieron Pollard, and his brother Hardik Pandya in the five-trophy club. The only players to surpass this tally are Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu, who both hold six titles.

Recap of the IPL 2026 Final

The path to victory was not easy. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, RCB’s bowling unit was clinical. Gujarat Titans struggled to establish a partnership, with Washington Sundar’s fighting 50 off 37 balls being the lone standout for the opposition. Rasikh Salam was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, ably supported by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, restricting the Titans to a total of 155/8.

In the chase, Venkatesh Iyer set the tone with a rapid 32 off 16 balls. However, it was the masterclass from Virat Kohli that sealed the deal. Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 deliveries, a knock that included nine boundaries and three sixes. His ability to reach his half-century in just 25 balls ensured that the required run rate never became an issue, and RCB chased down the target in just 18 overs.

A Dynasty in the Making

By winning in 2026, RCB has joined an exclusive list of teams that have successfully defended their title, standing alongside the likes of the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. The shift in culture under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy, combined with the veteran leadership of players like Krunal Pandya and Virat Kohli, has transformed the franchise into a formidable force. As the dust settles on another incredible season, fans will look back at this night not just for the clinical cricket played on the field, but for the genuine, fun-filled moments that highlight the spirit of the game.

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Julian Anand

Julian Anand is a senior cricket writer at ESPNcricinfo, known for his lyrical prose and deep-dive longform features on the sport’s unsung heroes. An alumnus of St. Stephen's College, he began his career covering Delhi’s club and university circuits before joining the global cricket desk. Julian has a rare ability to humanise the game—whether chronicling a young pacer from the Maidan or revisiting a forgotten Test classic. He is especially respected for his technical breakdowns of fast bowling and his archival research into cricket history. His work has been recognised with the SJA British Sports Journalism Award and multiple internal honours at Cricinfo. When not at the press box, Julian mentors young sports writers and plays occasional league cricket as a medium-pacer.