Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) all-rounder Krunal Pandya played a pivotal role in his team's five-wicket victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during their latest Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 encounter at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Friday. Krunal's impressive performance with both bat and ball helped his team secure a much-needed win after their loss to Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Speaking the post-match presentation, Krunal gave an insight into his current mindset and the changes that he had to make to his game when he took a break from the sport. "This year I'm in a good headspace. Once you have clarity up there, things fall into place. I'm very process-driven, don't think about results," Krunal said, highlighting the importance of mental clarity and a process-driven approach to his game.
This mindset seems to have worked wonders for him, as his performance in the match was a testament to his focus and determination. He took three wickets for just 18 runs and also clean-bowled the team's in-form skipper Aiden Markram. With the bat, he was the team's second-highest run-getter with 34 runs in 23 balls to help his side chase down the target of 122 runs.
His dismissal of Markram hit the off-stump and was particularly impressive. "People say I don't turn the ball, so that answers it I guess (Markram wicket)," Krunal said, demonstrating his ability to silence his critics with his performances on the field.
Krunal also worked on his bowling during his break from the sport. "What happened last two-three years was I kept getting wider and wider. Whatever I did in the last 3-4 months — getting taller and getting the ball to turn away, it is all coming out really well," he said, indicating the improvements he has made to his bowling technique.
"I'm trying to recollect how I played in the first 4-5 years in IPL where I was batting at four for MI. Trying to find that rhythm and consistency. Having the clarity helps," he added.
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