Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) spin-bowling all-rounder Krunal Pandya is known for surprising batters with the occasional bouncers. In order to defy match-ups in the new age T20 cricket dominated by batters, Krunal opts for an ace up his sleeve. While it was naturally assumed that the idea of bowling a bouncer came in a T20 match to avoid getting hit for a six, it actually came in a red-ball game 13 years ago.
The all-rounder told Cricbuzz that the first time he used a bouncer was in Karnataka during a K.Thimmapiah Memorial Tournament match leading up to Ranji Trophy season. A frustrating ninth-wicket partnership that stretched for 25 overs led to Krunal's Eureka moment. He made a subtle change in his run-up to generate pace and bowled a bouncer. To everyone's surprise the partnership was broken and the trick stayed with Krunal.
"It stuck in my mind," Krunal said. "What I have realised over a period of time in the IPL is that everyone has the ability to take you down for big shots, back-to-back. So I thought: how can I be one step ahead? How can I keep the batsman guessing?"
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Krunal understands that at times he might not be able to find his length. The bouncer gives him an edge and helps him work within his limitations to outfox the batters.
"Obviously, compared to other spinners, my variations are quite different. But you figure out your own way, how you want to be effective. And you just back that skill set," the 35-year-old said.
Krunal’s numbers vs CSK
RCB are scheduled to go up against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their next clash. Krunal does not have the best of record against CSK. The left-arm spinner has 10 wickets from 17 games at an average of 32.9 against CSK. From 11 innings, he has 139 runs at an average of 13.9 and strike rate of 127.42.