During the later phase of the Kurukshetra War, Krutavarma, the Yadava warrior fighting on the side of the Kauravas, faced Shikhandi, the Panchala prince and ally of the Pandavas. Shikhandi, though brave and skilled with the bow, had already endured many fierce encounters and was fatigued by continuous combat. Krutavarma, known for his composure, precision, and strategic patience, seized this opportunity to confront him. Their duel began with a fierce exchange of arrows, each warrior demonstrating remarkable control and accuracy. Shikhandi sought to press his advantage with aggression, but Krutavarma used his battlefield experience to read his opponent’s movements, countering with sharp, well-aimed shafts that struck Shikhandi’s armor and chariot. The clash of weapons and chariots drew the attention of nearby warriors, but neither fighter yielded easily. Gradually, Krutavarma’s calm strategy began to prevail over Shikhandi’s impetuous style. With measured strikes, he damaged Shikhandi’s bow and wounded his charioteer, forcing the Panchala warrior into retreat. Though Shikhandi survived the encounter, the control of the battlefield shifted to Krutavarma. The duel displayed Krutavarma’s discipline, tactical mastery, and veteran steadiness, hallmarks of a warrior who fought with intellect as much as valor.
