Krunal Pandya played a key role with both ball and bat in Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) five-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday (April 7).
The spin all-rounder returned with three scalps (3/18 in 4 overs) including the prized scalps of Mayank Agarwal and SRH skipper Aiden Markram, who won the toss and opted to bat.
Chasing 122 to win on a slugging pitch, the hosts were in trouble at 45/2 after the powerplay and then Krunal produced a brilliant knock of 34 in 23 balls. In the end, LSG overhauled the target with four overs to spare.
Speaking after the game, Krunal expressed his delight that all the hard work he had put in over the last 4 months paid off in a crucial encounter against SRH.
"Very good day at the office I can say. Both (enjoyed batting and bowling show) Runs, wickets - everything is hard-earned. Everything is special. More right-handers in their lineup - knew I would be bowling four overs.
"This year I'm in a good headspace. Once you have clarity up there, things fall in place. I'm very process-driven and don't think about results. I took a break from cricket for a few months because I was just playing the white-ball formats, so wanted some time off to work on my bowling. What happened last two-three years was I kept getting wider and wider," he said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Krunal, who was adjudged Player-of-the-Match, was also happy to prove naysayers wrong who questioned his ability to spin the ball.
"Whatever I did in the last 3-4 months - getting taller and getting the ball to turn away, it is all coming out really well. People say I don't turn the ball, so that answers it I guess (on Markram wicket). I'm trying to recollect how I played in the first 4-5 years in IPL where I was batting at four for MI. Trying to find that rhythm and consistency. Having the clarity helps," he added.
Krunal Pandya dedicated his Player-of-the-Match award to wife Pankhuri Sharma, saying his partner has been a big support for him.
"Want to dedicate this to my wife. She has been a constant support, she is who brings out the best version of myself," he concluded.
