From out of nowhere, Krunal Pandya stormed the IPL and became a household name amongst Indian cricket fans all over. Pandya is the elder brother of current Indian sensation Hardik Pandya and is someone who has all the assets required to play at the highest level. However, at the age of 26, he must himself feel this is the last chance for him to make any argument to be in the team.
Krunal was selected in the India A team that will tour South Africa. The tour is significant because all the players will treat it as an audition to make it to the main Indian team. Krunal has every chance to impress and here’s a case as to why he deserves more:
Domestic record:
Krunal has a good domestic record despite making his debut only last year. In 13 innings, he has managed to make a healthy 492 runs with three fifties. Mind you, Krunal plays in the middle order so finding the time to settle and hit runs don’t come too often. Pandya is a sweet timer of the ball and has the ability to play the big shot when required.
He also has a very good T20 batting record, with 647 runs in 40 T20s – this once again coming as a middle order batsman. With an average just below 33, Pandya will feel he can improve on those stats the next time the opportunity arises.
Pandya is more than a handy bowler in domestic and T20 cricket. In 14 games, he has picked up 19 wickets at a decent economy of 31. Pandya also has 32 wickets in T20s at an economy of 6.68, more than average for a “part-timer.”
India-A call up:
Pandya was included in the India-A squad that will travel to South Africa. Captained by Manish Pandey, Pandya will feel that this is the biggest chance he has to stake claim for a spot in the Indian team as a bowling all-rounder.
One thing that is sure about Pandya is his belief in his abilities. He is never overawed by the big occasion and his man of the match performance in the IPL Finals speaks volumes of his temperament.
