I am very satisfied with my performance in my second IPL season: Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya was the most consistent performer for the IPL 10 champions Mumbai Indians throughout their campaign. Contributing in almost every game, he made sure that he also gave in his all when it mattered the most, in the final against Rising Pune Supergiant.

The Baroda all-rounder’s performance in the final was the icing on the cake as he helped Mumbai Indians’ register a 1 run win over the Supergiant. But Hardik Pandya’s elder brother also admitted that performing in his second IPL season wasn’t really easy as by then the opponents had already read him and he was no longer an undiscovered performer.

“Performing well in the second Indian Premier League (IPL) season is always tough for players as the opponents have already read you and they come hard at you. I am very satisfied with my performance and this was the best season for me,” said Krunal.

Vijay Hazare trophy 2017 brought back Krunal’s confidence 

The 26-year-old was given the man of the match award in the final for chipping in a crucial contribution with the willow as his team posted a good score on a low scoring pitch and then defended it. Krunal also revealed that his injury kept him out of the game for a long time until he finally found his tune back in the Vijay Hazare Trophy which was played only a few days before IPL 10 started.

“I was out of action for a long time due to injury but I had a good outing for Baroda in Vijay Hazare Trophy this season. So I was confident of performing well in IPL,” Krunal told TOI.

Bowlers are getting smarter in the IPL 

During IPL 10, we saw many instances of how IPL no longer remains only a batsman’s game. The best example of this was seen when Mitchell Johnson won Mumbai the finals with his terrific bowling in the last over, sending back Manoj Tiwary and Steve Smith. Krunal too echoed this opinion and said bowlers are getting smarter in the IPL.

“The wickets were a bit slow during IPL this time but bowlers too have developed skills to bowl effectively in T20s. After all, it is the bowlers who help teams win matches.”