Sabyasachi Bagchi, Kolkata: Every time you talk with the Pandya brothers, they come across as supremely confident guys. With Hardik already cementing his place in the Indian team, it is now turn of his elder brother Krunal to knock the doors of the senior team. Krunal Pandya seems to have done nothing wrong ever since he came back from the injury to play for Mumbai Indians in the last couple of IPL seasons. He did not seem to have taken a step backwards. Recalling the time when he was out from cricket, Krunal said, “The injury made me mentally stronger. It taught me how to fight the difficulties and overcome the hurdles. I must thank More Sir (Kiran More) and Jasbir Sir for giving me the confidence.”
Soon after recovering from the injury, the left hander played a crucial role for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He went on to become the highest run-scorer for Baroda. In his own words, Krunal admits, “I think I am picked in the A side for my performance in domestic cricket. I had a great run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.”
Talking about his selection for the India A side for South Africa tour, an excited Krunal shared his emotions to xtratime.in.
“This is a lifetime opportunity for me. I would first like to thank the Mumbai Indians management. Had they not picked me in 2016, I would not have got an opportunity to showcase my talent.”
With less than a month to go for the South Africa tour, the senior Pandya brother has already started his preparations.
According to Krunal, “Right now I am doing my off season training at the Kiran More academy. Considering the wickets in South Africa will offer more bounce and pace, I am practicing the pool and hook shots with wet tennis balls. I normally prefer heavy bats but my coach Jasbir Singh suggested I reduce the weight a little because of my high backlift.”
Krunal is also excited to meet his favourite cricketer Rahul Dravid, who is also the coach of the India A team.
“He (Dravid) is one my favourite cricketer. Have heard a lot about him from Bhajji pa (Harbhajan Singh) in the Mumbai Indians dressing room. I am really excited to meet him for the first time.”
Talking about his brother Hardik, Krunal said, “We often have a friendly banter amongst us. We mix more like friends. I am extremely happy about my brother’s success.”
Lastly about the chances of both brothers playing in the 2019 World Cup, Krunal admits, “It is a long way to go. Yes, it would be a great moment for the family if both of us can make it to the squad. But we really have to work hard and keep performing for that to happen,” signs out Krunal.