All-rounder Krunal Pandya has expressed his desire to play alongside elder brother Hardik in the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL). Hardik and Krunal Pandya plied their trade together at the Mumbai Indians (MI) for quite a few seasons before parting ways. Hardik is now set to be a part of the newly-formed Ahmedabad team in the cash-rich league.
In fact, Hardik has also been named as their skipper for the upcoming edition. Even as Krunal said that his brother is most welcome to pick him for Ahmedabad, he’s also mentally set himself to play for any other team in the championship.
Krunal Pandya lauds his brother Hardik
“If Hardik wants me he can pick me at the auction, otherwise I’m happy to go anywhere,” Krunal was quoted as saying in ESPN.
Krunal also praised Hardik for leading from the front and being proactive in his approach on the field of play. The spin-bowling all-rounder backed Hardik to come good in the upcoming IPL season.
“He has all the qualities. He’s been a leader for Mumbai and Indian cricket as well. I am happy he got this chance because people will see his leadership qualities. I feel he’ll do a terrific job,” Pandya added.
Hardik had a tough season last time around in the IPL. He averaged in the 20s and his strike rate wasn’t up to the mark either. Barring an unbeaten 40-run knock against Punjab Kings at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Hardik flattered to deceive with the bat.
Moreover, his long-standing tussle with injuries meant that he didn’t bowl a single ball in the tournament. It affected him big time in the T20 World Cup 2021 where Virat Kohli’s India bowed out after losses to Pakistan and New Zealand. In the mega event, Pandya rolled his arms over, but couldn’t get a single wicket.
