Krunal Pandya aspires to be like MS Dhoni

There was a joy in Pandya household when Krunal, the elder brother of Hardik, was included in the T20I squad of the Indian team against the Windies and Australia. He was the part of the team in England as well but didn’t get a game to show his prowess. But the all-rounder has certainly learnt a lot during his short stint with the national team and is in awe of the veteran MS Dhoni for the way he carries himself.

Although Krunal Pandya has been selected in the Indian squad, Hardik Pandya is not the part of the team. He is recovering from the back injury which he sustained during the Asia Cup and will take the field only in January next year. This has kept the two brothers away from the dream of playing for the country together like they do for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

He’s so down to earth

MS Dhoni’s presence in the dressing room plays a huge role these days. He plays the role of mentor for most of the youngsters and it is no surprise that even Krunal Pandya also became his fan after spending time with him in the change room.

“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 bhai (MS Dhoni) closely during those six days. I told myself: ‘I want to be like him.’ The way he carries himself, his simplicity, grace, he’s achieved so much, but is so down to earth,” Krunal said while speaking to the Times of India.

Krunal might go on to make his international debut in the first T20I against the Windies at the iconic Eden Gardens and he is excited to play under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. “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,” he added.

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