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

Aditya Rao · · 3 min read
krunal pandya and rcb teammates

A Moment of Pure Joy for RCB

The atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was electric as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cemented their place in IPL history. By defeating the Gujarat Titans on Sunday, May 31, 2026, the Bengaluru-based franchise secured a second consecutive title, becoming only the third team in the league’s history to achieve back-to-back championships, joining the ranks of the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. Amidst the jubilant scenes, one particular individual became the talk of the town: Krunal Pandya.

The Viral Gesture

During the official post-match photo session, the RCB squad gathered behind the champions’ banner, radiating pure joy. As most players held up two fingers to signify the team’s consecutive titles, Krunal Pandya decided to have a little fun. The veteran all-rounder raised five fingers, boldly reminding the crowd and his teammates that this marked his fifth IPL title in his illustrious career. Watch: Krunal Pandya’s savage ‘5 trophies’ gesture sparks hilarious reaction fro Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar, who could not help but laugh at the cheeky display.

Krunal’s Winning Pedigree

Krunal Pandya’s light-hearted gesture was grounded in a serious achievement. Having won three titles during his time with the Mumbai Indians, the all-rounder moved to the Lucknow Super Giants in 2022 before finding his current home with RCB in 2025. Since joining the Bengaluru side, he has been an integral part of their back-to-back trophy run. With this win, Krunal enters an elite club of players who have secured five IPL titles, a group that includes legends like MS Dhoni, Kieron Pollard, and his brother, Hardik Pandya. Only Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu, with six titles each, sit above him in this exclusive tally.

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A Complete Performance in 2026

Krunal’s contribution to the RCB campaign was far more than just celebrations; he was a vital cog in the team’s balance. Throughout the 2026 season, he provided tactical depth with his left-arm spin and composure in the lower-middle order, finishing the tournament with 226 runs and 14 wickets. His presence allowed the team to remain flexible against various opposition strategies.

Recap of the IPL 2026 Final

The final itself was a masterclass in discipline from the RCB bowlers. After captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to field, the Gujarat Titans found themselves under pressure early. Despite a valiant 50 off 37 balls from Washington Sundar, the Titans were restricted to 155/8. Rasikh Salam led the bowling effort with three wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood chipped in with two wickets apiece.

The chase was swift and clinical. Venkatesh Iyer set the tone with a rapid 32 off 16 balls. However, the night belonged to Virat Kohli, who anchored the innings with a sensational unbeaten 75 off 42 deliveries. Kohli reached his half-century in just 25 balls, marking his fastest fifty of the season and guiding his team to victory in just 18 overs.

A Night to Remember

While the focus remains on RCB’s historic dominance and Kohli’s batting masterclass, the light-hearted banter between the teammates highlighted the camaraderie within the squad. Krunal Pandya’s ability to inject humor into such a monumental victory serves as a reminder that behind the intense competition, there is a deep sense of enjoyment in the game. As fans look back on the 2026 season, they will certainly remember the disciplined bowling, the explosive batting, and, of course, the hilarious five-finger salute that left the RCB legends in stitches.

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Aditya Rao

Aditya Rao is a senior cricket correspondent for Hindustan Times, known for his unflinching deep dives into the corridors of Indian cricket governance and the forgotten tiers of the domestic game. A graduate of Jamia Millia Islamia and a trained investigative journalist, Aditya brings a policy-level rigour rarely seen on the sports pages. His expertise lies in bridging the gap between the Test match purist and the systemic realities of the modern game—covering everything from Ranji Trophy structural reforms to the economics of player development in India’s hinterlands. He has broken several major stories on administrative overhauls and has profiled dozens of unsung players from India’s age‑group pathways. A recipient of the Ramnath Goenka Award and a trusted voice for accountability in sport, Aditya continues to write with a belief that a robust cricketing culture depends as much on sound governance as it does on a solid cover drive.