While Hardik Pandya is a key member in India’s white-ball set-up, his elder sibling Krunal has also managed to push his name in the selection reckoning in recent times.
With the Indian selectors set to announce the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup on Wednesday (September 8), Krunal would hope to find a spot in the team and join his brother on the flight to UAE for the marquee tournament, due to be played from October 17 to November 14.
WATCH - Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya join Mumbai Indians camp in Abu Dhabi
"Yeah, true. Let's hope it happens soon. Plenty of World Cups coming soon," he told ESPNcricinfo.
Before the T20 World Cup, the second phase of IPL 2021 will be held in UAE from September 19 and Krunal will turn up for defending champions, Mumbai Indians, in the cash-rich event.
Krunal said getting the prized scalp of someone like AB de Villiers in the Indian Premier League is always a treat.
"I remember in the 2016 and 2017 IPL seasons, I got him (ABD) a few times and after that I have made sure I have not gone for runs against him. That mindset has helped me in that I have not been in awe or afraid of the situation. I have always believed that if you want to grow, you have to do something special against the biggest guys," Krunal said.
He also spoke about dismissing Delhi Capitals’ explosive batsman Rishabh Pant.
"Having dismissed Rishabh Pant three times who can take down any spinner on his day, I know I have worked hard to do well in this situation. [It's] not an easy situation. I can't feel under pressure. Let's switch on the mind and do my best."
Krunal Pandya also recalled the memories of playing in the two best IPL games.
"The 2017 final and 2019 final. In the 2019 final, I did not contribute much, but it is about how we won it as a team. For me that's more important than individual performances.
"In 2017 final, we [Mumbai Indians] were around 78 for 7 when the strategic timeout was taken. I just told myself that I will go all out in the last two overs, in terms of hitting. Before that, I will just nudge the ball around for whatever runs. Luckily it went according to plan, where I almost got 25-30 runs in the last few overs. That gave us a total we could defend."
(With ANI inputs)
