IPL 2022: Krunal Pandya Played A Huge Role In Hardik Pandya’s Recovery- Suresh Raina
Published - 02 Apr 2022, 08:10 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:06 AM
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina hailed the camaraderie between brother Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya and credited the elder Pandya with playing a huge role in Hardik’s recovery from his lower back injury, as he was seen bowling his full quota of overs during the IPL 2022.
Hardik Pandya and Krunal played a lot together for Mumbai Indians, but in the IPL 2022, Hardik captains the Gujarat Titans franchise, while Krunal was picked by the other new franchise, the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2022 mega auction.
Hardik last played for India way back in the 2021 T20 World Cup and after that, he took a leave from top-level cricket to work on his fitness. He was faced a lot of scrutiny during the T20 WC for his bowling fitness. The 28-year-old worked hard on that and passed the fitness test at National Cricket Academy with flying colors before the IPL.
His Elder Brother Krunal Pandya Gave Hardik Pandya All Confidence He Needed During His Recovery: Suresh Raina
Hardik returned to bowling in Gujarat Titans’ opening match of the season against fellow debutants Lucknow Super Giants, it was the first time since IPL 2019 when the 28-year-old rolled his arm in the tournament. Hardik’s fitness has impressed Suresh Raina a lot, who also credited Krunal with helping the younger Pandya in his journey to 100% fitness.
“The way Hardik Pandya has made his comeback, is commendable. In a player’s return from injury, his family, especially, his wife has to play the most important role and we could see the happiness on his wife’s face when he was bowling. His elder brother Krunal has also played a major role in Hardik’s recovery and gave him all the confidence he needed. Hardik is looking fit and he’s also generating decent pace with the ball, these are good signs for Gujarat Titans,” Raina said during an episode of Cricket Live on Star Sports.
Before the start of the tournament, everyone was curious to know about Hardik’s bowling fitness and now with his four-over spell against LSG, they have finally got their answer. He also impressed all with his captaincy debut as well.
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