Krunal Pandya Interview: I was expecting an IPL contract this year

The biggest surprise in the 2016 edition of the IPL auction was Mumbai Indians signing Baroda all-rounder Krunal Pandya. The elder brother of Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was roped into the Mumbai Indians’ squad with a massive price tag of Rs. 2 crores. A left-arm spinner and a left-handed batsman Krunal is expected to add balance and value to an extremely strong Mumbai Indians lineup.

CricTracker got a chance to get this talented Baroda player share his views on his game, team and more.

Were you actually expecting an IPL contract this year?

Yes, in fact, a few representatives from the Mumbai Indians as well as the Delhi Daredevils, had come to see me play. I played with confidence in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy and I performed really well there. So, I was expecting an IPL contract this year.

How did your friends and family react to the news?

My family were all extremely happy and excited by the news. Hardik and I compliment each other’s success and we are always happy when the other one is successful. We were sitting at home and watching the auction live and were really happy once everything was finalized. I am really happy to be joining Hardik and the Mumbai Indians.

Tell us about the conversation you had with Hardik after the auction got over? How did he react to the news?

(Laughs) Actually, Hardik and I were together watching the auction on TV. Like I said earlier, Hardik Bhai was really happy and excited. We are happy for each other, like, if one goes higher, the other will always be happy for him.

MI has shell out 2 crores to include you in their lineup; there would be huge expectations from the fans as well as the franchise. Do you already feel the pressure of the high expectation?

Yes, obviously there will be a lot of expectations on me, especially with the massive price tag. However, I really don’t feel any pressure as I have worked extremely hard to get this contract. I believe in the way I work and also believe that if you go through a fixed routine, it will naturally start producing results. So, I don’t really feel any pressure, but I certainly understand that the expectations on me will be really high.

What do you think went in your favor? The MI talent scout must have spotted something significant that pushed them to rope you in.

I think it’s the consistent performance with both bat and ball. I had actually nursed a shoulder injury and had come back pretty strong from it. I played a D.Y. Patil tournament in Mumbai at the D.Y. Patil Stadium first, then went on to the Vijay Hazare Trophy and then to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I think the Mumbai Indians noticed me first at the D.Y. Patil tournament and then at the Syed Mushtaq Ali. The consistent performances lured them in I think.

Though you are an all-rounder someone good at both batting and bowling, would you call yourself a batting all-rounder or a bowler who can bat?

No. I don’t think about that at all. I give equal importance to batting and bowling. I have always worked hard on both batting and bowling and have never looked to specialize in just one art.

When you were young and shaping up, which cricketer inspired you the most?

I have been a big Yuvraj Singh fans. In one of the games we were playing in the D.Y. Patil tournament, I got him out and hit him for two sixes as well, so it felt pretty good.

We have already seen a brother’s duo from Baroda in Yusuf and Irfan Pathan doing remarkably well for Baroda and India will we see a similar partnership between the Pandya brothers soon?

Yes, we look to emulate Irfan Bhai and Yusuf Bhai. Hardik and I actually had a talk about it as well and we’d be the happiest people in the world if we can pull that off. Our father has already had 3 heart attacks and we always wanted him to watch both of us donning the India jersey. And I am glad that Hardik has already done it and I am following suit.

You were out of action in the domestic arena for the whole 2015 due a shoulder injury which also required you to undergo a surgery. Fitness wise how are feeling as the post surgery rehab is quite tasking.

Yes, I had a grade 2 labral tear on my shoulder. I visited a doctor in Mumbai who told me that an operation had to be done. So, I did my rehab in Mumbai itself and then completed the operation. I was feeling much better after the operation. I was able to bat and bowl, but I wasn’t able to throw more than five yards. Now, I am completely fine and raring to go for the Mumbai Indians.

Your brother Hardik is a jovial character, is a bit flamboyant as well. Are you similar to him or rather someone more reserved who like to stay away from the lights?

I wouldn’t say that there is much difference between me and Hardik. However, I think that I am calmer than him. He is very aggressive, I would say that I am calmer and milder compared to him.

What is your philosophy for life and success?

Hard Work.

If you could swipe places with a cricketer for a day who would it be?

Yuvraj Singh.