I am 100 percent ready to play for India: Krunal Pandya

Mumbai Indians won their third IPL title in the 10th edition and the person who played a key role in that was Krunal Pandya. He played two vital innings at the final stages of the league that handed the Trophy to his team. In the second Qualifier against Kolkata Knight Riders, his knock of 45 off 30 balls saw his side past the target of 108 safely after the early hiccups.

In the final against Rising Pune Supergiant, the MI side was tottering with none of the batsmen staying for a substantial amount of time at the crease. Krunal’s 47 off 38 propelled them to a fighting total of 129/8 at the end of 20 overs. The bowlers fought hard and halted the RPS side one run short of their total. Krunal was adjudged the Man of the Match for his efforts.

The left-hander received a lot of appreciation from the fans in the country and many believe he should be included in the India’s squad. He himself believes that he is ready to don the Indian colors. When asked about the same, he told Firstpost, “Bilkul, bilkul (Absolutely), 100 percent I am ready.”

One of the biggest influences in the Mumbai Indians’ campaign over the years has been the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Krunal too is overjoyed by the fact he is a part of the team that has the blessings of the great man.

“Sachin sir told me that my ‘never give up’ attitude can be seen on the ground through my body language. “Your approach is very positive, don’t ever lose that. You should always have this quality. That is your strength,” he told me. I talked to him for 45 minutes. Life ke best 45 minutes the woh (Those were the best 45 minutes of my life),” he told about his interactions with Tendulkar.

Krunal also praised the support staff of his team and said, “Mahela often talks with the players. In fact, the whole support staff is good – Robin Singh, Shane Bond. Robin has helped me a lot; he always explains to me different aspects of batting.”