Lockdown period helped me and Krunal improve as overall individuals, says Hardik Pandya

Pandya brothers have been picked for the next month's white-ball tour to Sri Lanka.

By Salman Anjum - 12 Jun, 2021

Cricket had come to a grinding halt due to COVID-19 pandemic last year as several countries imposed lockdown and closed borders.

While it was a tough time for every cricketer, Pandya brothers – Hardik and Krunal – utilized the lockdown period to improve themselves in all facets of life.

See Also: 'We can win by working together', Pandya brothers donate oxygen concentrators to COVID centres

Speaking on the new Times of India podcast - Sportscast, Hardik Pandya said: “Last year, the lockdown helped us improve as overall individuals. For us, it was more important because we could spend time on our skills. We were able to improve our fitness because we had time and, by God's grace, we have a gym where we can work out as well. And we got to spend time with each other.”

“As individuals, we are very honest with each other. So if something was wrong with Krunal, I told him. If something was wrong with me, he told me. For us, it was an improvement phase and our goals changed in life. We got so much time that we spoke about everything, from our cricket to our lives... We improved as humans as well,” he added.  

Pandya brothers have often spoken about their late father Himanshu Pandya’s sacrifices and backing that enabled them to represent the country at the highest level.

During the podcast, Krunal once again remembered his father and his immense contribution.

"We have always said that whatever we are and wherever we are, it's because of our father's struggle and vision. When I was six and Hardik was 3 or 4, we never imagined playing for India or what we want to do in life. It was his vision. He saw me and said - 'my kids will play for India'," Krunal said.

Hardik and Krunal were last seen in action during the IPL 2021, which was suspended last month due to COVID-19 cases inside bio-bubbles of various franchises. They will return to action during the white-ball series against Sri Lanka next month.

By Salman Anjum - 12 Jun, 2021

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