(…Continued)

Krunal Pandya was one of the biggest discoveries for MI in this edition of IPL. The young southpaw who was recovering from an injury did well as he proved himself with both the bat and the ball. But this journey was no cake walk as he was nursing a shoulder injury, before he became a part of the MI squad. Many teams were tracking the recovery of the youngster leading up to the auction. It was Mumbai Indians who got this talented lad, for a whopping price of Rs. 2 crores. So when asked if the price put any additional pressure on him, him he said, “It depends on the individual. I took at it positively and prepared well. I didn’t have the pressure that I have been bought for two crores so I have to perform. But since the last few months, I prepared well for IPL only.”

Krunal trained hard for his IPL stint so he can be his best in this IPL. Talking about his recovery, he said, “It was quite difficult. One year is a big gap and suddenly to play a tournament like IPL, which I haven’t played before, was all new to me. But that’s what it is if you are mentally tough and ready for the challenge and if you prepare well, you will get the result. I managed to do really well.”

His efforts paid off well as he was drafted in the playing XI in just three games. The all-rounder did well in the opportunities provided to him. He impressed everyone with not just his big hits, but also with his smart bowling. He stuck to his strengths and was able to outsmart two of the best cricketers in the world. In the match against RCB, he single-handedly turned the tables in MI’s favour when he dismissed Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in the same over.

“The first over which I bowled in that game, I gave around ten runs. So in the second over, I knew they will target me as I was one of the younger players out there who was playing just the second game,” says Krunal. “I knew they will come after me. After getting Kohli, I got that confidence. The de Villiers ball [which had him stumped] was slower in the air and deceived him in the flight. As Kohli got out in the same over, I knew that de Villiers will not try to go for a big shot and play from the crease itself, so I gambled a bit, bowled a flighted delivery allowing him to come forward and drive the ball and that’s what got him in the end. So it was the most memorable moment of the IPL,” adds Krunal.

With a batting average of 39.50 and a mind-boggling strike rate of 191, the highest in IPL, Krunal has been one of the most consistent players for MI in IPL 9. He added, “I have learnt a lot of mental things, especially when to work hard, how to manage your body and maintain fitness levels. I learnt a lot of things and it will definitely help me for the upcoming tournaments, Ranji trophy etc.”

Quotes are taken from First Post.