Mumbai Indians' million-dollar buy Krunal Pandya, the elder brother of India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, makes his foray into the cash-rich Indian Premier League
Krunal Pandya (left) with brother Hardik
Saturday's Indian Premier League auction in Bangalore has given much-needed bragging rights to Krunal Pandya, older brother of India all-rounder Hardik.
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Krunal Pandya (left) with brother Hardik
The Pandya brothers share a healthy cricketing rivalry which got elevated further after Krunal, a left-handed batsman and left-arm spinner, made his maiden foray into the cash-rich T20 league with hell-bent Mumbai Indians getting their player for Rs 2 crore.
More dear than Hardik
"I just couldn't stop shouting. I never expected so much money. From a base price of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 2 crore is unbelievable. I can now pull my brother's leg as I am a more expensive player than him at Mumbai Indians. Hardik was taken by MI at his base price of R10 lakh," a delighted Krunal told SUNDAY mid-day from Baroda.
The Pathan brothers (Irfan and Yusuf) are synonymous with Baroda in cricketing circles. With Krunal now part of IPL defending champions, the 24-year-old hopes to make Baroda famous with the Pandya brothers as well. "Everyone talks of Irfan bhai and Yusuf bhai. They made Baroda famous in India. Now, we too want to have a similar impact. I want people to know Baroda by the Pandya brothers as well. We will try our best," said Krunal.
'I was confident'
Krunal, who missed out on the ongoing domestic season due to a shoulder injury, was confident that Mumbai Indians would bid for him. "I knew Mumbai Indians wanted me and Delhi Daredevils were also interested. I am really motivated to do well for MI for showing so much faith in my abilities," said Krunal, who plans to move from the Housing Board flat to a luxurious house with his IPL fat pay packet.
Although Hardik rose to prominence rapidly ever since his impressive outing in the last IPL, Krunal is confident of catching up with his brother soon. "We have great competition amongst ourselves. We have played junior cricket together for Baroda. We played for the same club and represented the state team as well, and now we are together for the Mumbai Indians. Someday, we will be together in the Indian team," Krunal signed off.
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