Ultimate goal is to play across formats for India and do well, Krunal Pandya eyes ODI call-up
India's go-to all-rounder in the shortest format, Krunal Pandya emerged as the Man of the Series in the recently concluded T20I series against the Windies and the 28-year-old has revealed that he is now looking forward to broaden his horizons and represent India across formats, eyeing the ODIs next.
After a successful stint in the Caribbean, legspinner Krunal Pandya is ready to spread his wings to the 50-over format. So far, his talent has seen him make steady progress in the Blue jersey in the T20 outfit and now he's focussing on getting an ODI call up.
"The Windies series was a big confidence booster. It was the first series of the season and to do well against some quality players always helps. This is just the beginning and I will look to carry this forward into the next series, " Krunal Pandya told the IANS about how the recent success has been a confidence booster for him.
"Looking to stay true to my goal and play across formats," he emphasized on his intentions to play in all formats.
"That is an area of focus and I have played one-days for India 'A' in the last two years and the experience has given me confidence that I can rise to the challenge. Working closely with Rahul Dravid and Paras Mhambrey has helped. While Paras bhai has helped me with fine-tuning my bowling skills, just speaking to Rahul bhai makes you a more knowledgeable cricketer. It is such an experience to pick his cricketing brain. I have tried discussing how to react to a situation and that helps. I want to play for India in all the formats and do well," he added.
With the World T20 just a year away, Krunal is still looking at it as a long term goal and for now, he'll focus on his current performance. He believes it is about taking baby steps to the ultimate goal of flying with the team to Australia in 2020.
"The dream is to represent India in the World T20. Every performance will matter, but that is a long term goal. For now, it is about making it to the team in the next series and then do well. If I manage to keep performing, the goal of playing in the World T20 in Australia will obviously be fulfilled. However, for now, the focus is the next series against South Africa. Always important to take it one at a time."
