India vs Australia | MOTM Krunal Pandya credits Kuldeep Yadav for creating pressure from other end

Aaron Finch and D’Arcy Short, for a change, played some good cricket after the former decided to bat first, but everything fell apart when Virat Kohli employed the left-arm wrist-spin of Kuldeep Yadav who conceded just 19 runs in his four overs. While survival was difficult against him, Australia tried to attack Krunal Pandya which presented him with the best figures by a spinner in T20Is Down Under. Krunal understood the reason why he got those wickets and in the post-match presser, he credited Yadav’s persistence as the reason for the hosts losing wickets to him.

"Kuldeep helped quite a bit. He has played a lot of games and in this series, he has bowled really well. For me, it becomes easier when your spin partner is bowling really well and you can share ideas. Every game he gave me some tips," Krunal said, reported PTI. 

"Thus, a lot of credit goes to Kuldeep for creating pressure at the other end. It helped me get those wickets."

For Krunal, it was a redemption of sorts after he was taken to cleaners in the opening game in Brisbane. He was not only accurate in his pursuit today, but also he buried the demons of the first game after picking up Glenn Maxwell’s wicket for the second consecutive time in the series. On being asked about the turn-around, Krunal revealed that the first game took a severe beating on his confidence and he had to convince himself that he belonged to the level.

"It is very difficult when you play your first game in Australia and you get hammered for 53 from 4 overs. To come out of that was not easy. It took me a while to back myself much more, especially when you have hardly played any game at this level," he said at the post-match press conference.

"Giving away 50-plus runs in Brisbane was very tough for me and the next 24 hours were tough. I had to convince myself again. Whatever anyone says, it takes some time to set in. When I played the second game (in Melbourne), I was very clear with my plans what I have to do," Krunal said.

"When you come back like this, it is very satisfying. You had such a bad day and then against the same opponent you do well, it gives satisfaction, happiness and a surety that you belong to this level. You haven't played at this level and then you perform like this it gives you hope that you can play at this level." 

Primarily a T20 bowler, whose claim to fame is the IPL, Krunal understands the dynamics of the format really well. Patience is the key to survive the T20 madness and Krunal revealed that he has that in plenty.

"I was happy to overcome that because when you overcome such hurdles you are able to do well. Those were two drastic results for me. As a bowler, you have to understand this is T20 format, and it is part and parcel of the game. One day you will get hit and one day you will get wickets."