Pandya brothers – “we keep pulling each other’s legs"

The Pandya brothers have been performing exceptionally well this season of the Indian Premier League. Both have chipped in runs with the bat, taken catches, saved boundaries and contributed to the best of their capabilities to keep Mumbai Indians on the top half of the table.

Krunal was picked for 2crore by Mumbai Indians a year ago, and gained popularity in his very first season of the IPL in which he scored 237 runs from 9 games. But Hardik had managed only 44 runs in 11 games before he was dropped.

“He had done well in the 2015 IPL, and I did well last year, so this year, before the tournament, we had decided that we’ll both perform consistently,” Krunal told TOI.

He further went on to say that playing together at such level is a dream come true for the brothers who grew up watching and following cricket. He also revealed that both are very honest about commenting on each other’s performances.

“I’m least concerned about whether he likes my feedback or not. I’ll tell him what I feel. Most times, he takes it,” says Krunal while Hardik added: “Earlier this year, I was angry at the way he got out in a Vijay Hazare match. I wrote a paragraph about it and messaged him.”

They also revealed that the two do all things siblings do, fight, pull each other’s legs, get tensed when the other is playing a big game.

“We keep pulling each other’s leg. We fight a lot too. Initially, I would get nervous while watching him play for India. Now, I’m calmer. I get tense though when I am in the dugout and he’s batting,” Krunal said.

With the kind of form both Krunal and Hardik are in, it seems certain that the younger brother, who has featured in 7 ODIs for India, will get the nod for Champions Trophy.