KRUNAL, the elder of the famed Pandya brothers is in with an opportunity to prove that he is big in cricket, too. Hitherto, younger Hardik has been ahead in accomplishing big feats.
An international call, after a long wait for Krunal, has come as a default for IPL’s ₹12.8 crore boy. The Mumbai Indians professional contract over the three years span from 2016-2018 has given him the opportunity, money, fame and success. All still not good enough to emerge from the shadow of the younger Pandya – Hardik.
The brothers through their career have struck in tandem. While Hardik was quick off the blocks, Krunal’s progress has been steady – just like his Mumbai Indians professional contracts which have increased year on year, steadily.
IPL JOURNEY: It all started in the year 2016 when he was called upon by Mumbai Indians. The performances that he put in for the team got him the status of an established all-rounder. Over the course, he managed to score just over 700 runs in 33 innings, while taking 28 wickets with an economy of 7.12. This contributed immensely towards his mettle while also making him the costliest uncapped player in IPL history. His confidence was sky high as when asked about the exorbitant amount of money paid for him, he replied with great subtlety, “I expected such reaction”. He fared up with 375 Impact points for the year 2018 which eventually gave him a high Impact rank of 23 for this year’s IPL. Thus, proving to be good value for money.
IPL CONTRACTS: Krunal with his salary contracts has grossed ₹ 12.28 crore. For the first two years, it was the same price of ₹2crore. It was during the 2018 edition, that the IPL contract of ₹8.8 established his real worth in monetary terms.
Money for all professional sportspersons does matter. But, it is the opportunity and pride to don the national colours, Pandya has waited for long. As the opportunity comes calling, he took to Twitter to express his joy. “The hard work has finally been rewarded.”
But this wasn’t easy. Factoring in the performances he put in over the course of three years for Mumbai Indians, that elusive call to play for the country somehow eluded him. The deadlock was broken when he first got to play for India ‘A’ in South Africa in the year 2017. Even on the hard African pitches, he somehow managed to carve out a name for himself as an all-rounder by scoring three half-centuries and taking 11 wickets in 8 matches.
THE WAIT WAS OVER: It may not have happened in the most desirable of ways for Krunal, but it happened. 1st July’18 would have surely found a very special place in his heart. He might not get a match on the tour, but this will definitely lay the foundation stone for the rest of his career. And, if somehow he does get a chance to showcase his talent on the field, he will most definitely not fluff his lines.
Also Read: India in England: Hardik-Krunal to be 9th sibling duo to represent India, who are the other 8?
Editors pick
