Krunal Pandya needs to be a batting all-rounder to have a long-term T20 career: Sanjay Manjrekar

Mumbai Indians haven’t made a comprehensive start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021’s and so hasn’t Krunal Pandya. The all-rounder couldn’t deliver with either bat or the ball against Chennai Super Kings as MI suffered a 20-run defeat. While most of the Mumbai bowlers were economical, the left-arm spinner was taken to the cleaners. He conceded 27 runs in just two overs as CSK propelled towards a competitive total.

With the bat, he got run out after scoring four off just five balls. In fact, the senior Pandya couldn’t do much in the first half of the season as well. In seven games, he scalped just three wickets alongside scoring 100 runs. With the 30-year-old not contributing significantly, former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar believes Mumbai Indians should assess his role in the team.

Mumbai Indians should look whether Krunal Pandya is contributing enough: Sanjay Manjrekar

“I think Mumbai Indians should start looking at Krunal Pandya whether he is contributing enough to the cause of the team. In the last game, when there was a collapse, it was important for someone like Krunal Pandya batting down the order to somewhat make up what Ruturaj Gaikwad did for Chennai,” Manjrekar said while speaking on Dafa News.

The cricketer-turned-commentator also reckons the southpaw must focus on his batting if he wishes to extend his T20 career. Apparently, Manjrekar advised Krunal to be more of a batting all-rounder. “That is the expectation and I do believe that if Krunal Pandya wants to have a long-term T20 career, he is got to be more of a batting all-rounder than a bowling all-rounder so the focus could be on him,” he added.

Krunal has indeed been an integral part of MI squad ever since making his IPL debut in 2016. He even played a pivotal role in taking the side to as many as three IPL titles. However, his performances have been below par lately and the same has raised questions over his place in the playing XI.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have somewhat blown hot and cold in this year’s IPL so far. They have won four of their eight games so far and would like to put up a better show in the remaining competition. The defending champions will next take the field against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday (September 24).