Mumbai Indians has a special message for the debutant Krunal Pandya

All eyes will be on Krunal in the first T20I against the Windies.

Published - 04 Nov 2018, 18:52 IST | Updated - 04 Nov 2018, 18:52 IST

2 Min Read

Team India is locking horns against Windies in the first of the three-match T20I series in Kolkata. They’ve handed a debut to Krunal Pandya and Khaleel Ahmed in this game as Rohit Sharma confirmed at the toss. Krunal, like his brother Hardik Pandya, will take the all-rounder’s spot in the team and it will be interesting to see how he fares in his debut game.

Krunal has been the consistent performer for the Mumbai Indians since the IPL 2016 and at some point, he had to get an opportunity in the national team. He was drafted into the squad even for England T20Is but didn’t get a game. He is a complete package when it comes to T20 format and will be comfortable playing his first international under his Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma.

Krunal’s memorable moment

Krunal Pandya was handed over the India cap by the skipper Rohit ahead of the game. He will be batting at number seven in the game and the cricketer can tonk the ball a fair way as well. After the cap ceremony, his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians had a special message for the debutant and wished him all the luck. “What a special moment for @krunalpandya24 who gets his first national cap from the Hitman himself,” the message read.

What a special moment for @krunalpandya24 who gets his first national cap from the Hitman himself 🇮🇳💙#CricketMeriJaan #INDvWI @ImRo45 https://t.co/lN8FPhdC2W
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 4, 2018

He has proven himself with his consistent domestic performances and has earned his maiden cap!
Go out there and conquer the world, @krunalpandya24 🇮🇳#CricketMeriJaan #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/zPe8Lyh3v6
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 4, 2018

As far as Krunal’s T20 career is concerned, he has played 62 matches in the format and has picked 51 wickets. Most importantly, his economy is only 6.96 which is exceptional when it comes to the shortest format of the game. With the bat, the 27-year-old’s strike-rate is impeccable 146.96. He has amassed 967 runs and if the opportunity presents itself, Krunal would love to play in the same vein in the blue jersey.

However, as India have opted to field first, the debutant will be tested with the ball first. The Men in Blue are going in with five bowlers and no wonder, his four overs would be crucial in restricting the visitors.

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