Krunal Pandya has been out of the side since India’s second-string squad’s unsuccessful series in Sri Lanka. The spin all-rounder did not find a place in India’s T20 World Cup 2021 squad and then got released by Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise. Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction, Krunal has made a bold claim.
"Krunal Pandya will win you games - 100%. It is not me being over-confident or cocky. It is just self-belief. I am a team man. I always play to win championships," the southpaw said in an interview with ESPNCricinfo.
For the upcoming auctions, Krunal has set his base price at Rs 2 crore while his brother has been appointed as captain of the new franchise, Gujarat Titans. Krunal is not worried about the auctions or whether his brother picks him at the mega event.
"I don’t know. Well, if Hardik wants me, he can pick me from the auction. Else I’m happy to go anywhere I can. Our relation is very different. Our honesty, loyalty doesn’t fluctuate though we are brothers. Whatever is ethically right, we do that and that is how it has worked till now. He has all the positives. He has been a leader in himself playing for Mumbai Indians," the 30-year-old said.
Krunal also has faith in Hardik’s leadership abilities. This will be the first time Hardik will not be playing for the Mumbai-based franchise led by Rohit Sharma.
“He has all the qualities and I’m happy that he has gotten this opportunity. People will see his real leadership qualities going forward and he has all the things to be that leader and do well. He is that character who likes to lead the side whether he is captain or not, so I think he will do a terrific job and I’m excited to see how it unfolds. Yes, I am nervous about him being a leader. We have always played together but I am confident that he will be good,” the Baroda all-rounder added.
Krunal did not have a good last season with five-time IPL champions. With the bat, he scored just 143 runs from 13 games whereas with the ball he picked up just five wickets at an average of 53.
