India vs Windies | Was really surprised when I found out I was selected, reveals Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya, who received a call-up to the Indian team for the upcoming T20I series against Windies and Australia, has revealed that he did not see his selection to the Indian team coming. Pandya is in line to make his India debut in the first T20I, which will be played in Kolkata on Sunday.
Baroda all-rounder Krunal Pandya has been a mainstay figure in the state team for a long time. After impressing in the trails, he and his young brother were recruited by the Mumbai Indians franchise and have established themselves as crowd favourites in the last couple of years.
While Hardik went on to secure a permanent spot in the national team under MS Dhoni’s guidance, Krunal had to make do with limited opportunities with
"I was really surprised and obviously, happy when I got to know of my selection. The team was announced at 10.30pm. Pankhuri (his wife) told me that I was selected for the T20s against West Indies. After that, when I logged on to Twitter, I saw my name in the Indian T20 team for Australia also. Hardik had gone to sleep by then, as he had to train in the morning. However, he came out after he got to know and was all excited," Krunal told TOI.
Krunal owed his recent success to his wife, as his brother Hardik finds himself on the sidelines having aggravated a back injury. The elder brother is looking forward to making a debut at Eden Gardens with the national team.
"He just told me to go out and play bindaas (carefree) cricket. I'll pick his brains about how to play in Australia since he's been there twice. It's a dream that in future we will play together for
"I was there for a very short time. I was with the India 'A' team there, before I was called up into the squad. I observed Mahi
The MI all-rounder also thanked Rahul Dravid for all the excerpts that he gave him when he was a part of India ‘A’ team squad.
"His inputs have been of great help. He told me that: 'If you've to be a consistent performer, you've to play according to what the situation demands, rather than playing your natural game.' He has told me to back myself to stick to hitting the big
It would help that he's likely to make his India debut under Rohit Sharma, under whom he's played a lot for MI.
"I started playing in the IPL under him, and have played around 50-60 games under him. His inputs have been valuable. He gives a player the chance to express himself. We both know each other very well. It's good for me," added Krunal.
