No demons in pitch, just RCB’s brilliance: Krunal on DC Collapse
New Delhi (PTI): RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya says the dramatic Indian Premier League contest against Delhi Capitals was decided as much by skill as by staying "one step ahead" in the mental game.
Reflecting on the comprehensive nine-wicket win, which will be remembered for an incredible capitulation of Delhi, Krunal underlined that there no demons in the wicket but just that pacers Bhuvneswar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood were exceptional.
"To get six wickets in the powerplay, you have literally taken the game away from the opponent. The wicket wasn't that bad, but it was pure skill set and why they are among the best," Krunal said.
Krunal also shed light on his own evolution as a bowler, revealing that the introduction of variations like the bouncer and altered trajectory deliveries was a conscious attempt to outthink batters in a format increasingly dominated by power-hitting.
"Every year the opposition prepares for you, so it becomes a mental game as well. I was thinking what I can add to be one step ahead. That’s where the bouncer and change in trajectory came in," he explained.
The left-arm spinner acknowledged that executing such variations is physically demanding, particularly for a spinner.
"It's not easy for a spinner to bowl a bouncer. A lot depends on fitness. But I've never been scared to try new things. I took it as a challenge," he said.
Touching upon his cricketing roots, Krunal revealed that the seeds of his experimental approach were sown years ago while playing on matting wickets, where he was forced to innovate after being taken apart by batters.
"That's where I learnt things like bouncers and wide yorkers. Over time, roles change, but this year I felt the need to add something new, especially with how aggressively batters are playing," he said.
Despite the dominant performance, Krunal struck a cautious note on RCB's campaign, insisting that the team is not looking too far ahead in the tournament. As of now they are placed second in the table with 12 points from six wins in eight matches.
Along with Punjab Kings, RCB are favourites from here to claim top-two spot in the race to play-offs.
The 33-year-old lauded Virat Kohli for his sustained excellence, calling him a "flag bearer" of fitness culture in Indian cricket.
"To have that consistency for so many years is unbelievable. He has changed the way people see fitness in the sport," Krunal added.
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Mangaluru cooker bomb case: Main accused gets 10-year jail term
Bengaluru/Mangaluru (PTI): A special NIA court in Bengaluru on Monday sentenced the prime accused in the Mangaluru cooker bomb case to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 94,000.
Mohamed Shariq had initially claimed innocence in the case, but later pleaded guilty under Section 229 of CrPC in December 2025, which the special court accepted.
According to prosecution, Shariq was carrying the pressure cooker IED (improvised explosive device) in an autorickshaw, and allegedly planned to plant it at Mangaluru’s Kadri Manjunatha Temple to spread terror among the Hindu community. The low intensity bomb, however, accidentally exploded on the way on November 19, 2022.
As per the operative portion of the order pronounced in open court, the accused Shariq (Accused No.1) was handed 10 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC.
He was also received two years’ rigorous imprisonment each under Sections 465 (forgery) and 471 (using forged documents), with fines of Rs 2,000 each.
The court further awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 each under Sections 121A (waging war conspiracy), 122 (collecting arms with intent to wage war), 307 (attempt to murder) and 326 (causing grievous hurt).
Under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the accused was sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 5,000 each under Sections 16(b), 17, 18, 20, 38, 39 and 40.
Additionally, under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, he was awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment with fines of Rs 5,000 each under Sections 3(a) and 5(a).
The court ordered that all substantive sentences shall run concurrently. In case of default in payment of fines, additional imprisonment ranging from one to six months has been prescribed for different counts.
The court also ordered that the period already undergone in judicial custody be set off against the sentence under Section 428 of the CrPC. The fine amount, once recovered, will be utilised towards defraying prosecution expenses.
Advocates said the court directed that a soft copy of the order be provided to the accused through email and a hard copy be sent by post, as his presence was secured through video conferencing.
A warrant of conviction has been ordered to be issued.
In the same case, the judicial custody of accused no 2 has been extended till May 21, 2026, and jail authorities have been directed to produce the accused through video conferencing on that date.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad welcomed the court verdict and urged the NIA to file an appeal in the court to increase the sentence.
"His intention was to blow up the Kadri temple and kill hundreds of devotees. Considering this, the sentence should have been increased but the sentence has been reduced. We immediately urge the National Investigation Agency to file an appeal with the court to increase the sentence," the VHP said in a statement.
