It Would Be A Dream Come True If I And Hardik Play 2019 World Cup, Says Krunal Pandya After Maiden India 'A' Call-Up

Krunal Pandya burst onto the scene in last year’s Indian Premier League when his brilliant allround ability took everyone by surprise. In an otherwise poor campaign for the Mumbai Indians, Krunal was perhaps one of their few positives, scoring 237 runs in addition to picking up 6 wickets in 12 outings.

But like many in the past, Krunal was not a one-season wonder and performed even better in this year’s IPL, establishing himself as an important part of the Mumbai Indians squad that lifted the IPL trophy for a record third time. In fact, Krunal was so impressive that at one point he was picked as the sole spinning option over the veteran Harbhajan Singh and the left-arm spinner totally justified the faith shown in him by the team. He finished the tournament with 243 runs at 34.71 in addition to picking up 10 wickets and an economy rate of under seven.

Well, his impressive performances did not earn him a place in India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy but he has now received his maiden India ‘A’ call which is a big step towards his dream of playing the 2019 World Cup in England alongside younger brother Hardik. The southpaw has been included in the one-day squad for the tri-series against Australia ‘A’ and hosts South Africa ‘A’.

(READ: Krunal Pandya, Basil Thampi Earn Maiden India ‘A’ Call-Up, Manish Pandey To Lead)

“The aim is not just to represent India for a couple of matches here and there but to play for as long as possible. It would be a dream come true if I and Hardik can together play for India in the 2019 World Cup. But right now, focus will be on doing well for India A,” Krunal told PTI.

Hardik Pandya has more or less established himself as a regular in the limited-overs team and Krunal said he always look to know about the finer details of international cricket from his brother.

“Hardik was ecstatic. He called me and said that ‘You are getting there’. Having already played for India, he has an insight about top flight cricket and I always discuss with him to pick finer points. There can’t be a closer buddy than your own brother,” added Krunal.

Speaking about the secret behind doing better this season than his debut season, he said: “I knew opposition teams would study my game during this edition of the IPL after a reasonably good first season. I had to work on my weaknesses as the second season becomes the very key in an international level tournament like IPL. I worked on both aspects of my game and it paid off.”

The Baroda star also gave an insight into his gameplan which he reckons is ‘simple’.

“My thinking is simple. When you are batting, think like a bowler to stay one step ahead and vice versa while bowling. Reading the mind of an opposition player is very important. I would only like to focus on things which are in my control. I can’t perform thinking about who are my competitors. My job is to maximise my potential and perform to the best of my abilities. I will strive doing that,” he said.