PBKS vs LSG: Daniel Vettori Mentions Krunal Pandya's One Quality That Makes Batters Difficult To Play Him

Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori explained Krunal Pandya’s distinctive quality as a spin bowler.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Punjab Kings by 20 runs on Friday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

Krunal Pandya claims 2/11 vs PBKS

LSG managed to successfully defend their moderate score of 153 as Krunal Pandya bowled a brilliant spell of 2/11 from four overs. Krunal got the wickets of the dangerous Bhanuka Rajaspaksa and Jitesh Sharma.

The left-arm spinner bowled an angled delivery to Rajapaksa as the ball slid up and took the leading edge of the batter. KL Rahul ran towards his left while being positioned at the point to take a comfortable catch.

Krunal pinned Jitesh in front of the stumps with a flat delivery. The decision had to be challenged to the third umpire as the on-field umpire turned it not out.

What Krunal Pandya is doing now is challenging the batters with that pace: Daniel Vettori

Vettori, who himself used to bowl left-arm spin during his playing times, said Pandya has the ability to bowl pace along with topspin.

“Krunal Pandya is one of the few bowlers who can bowl at that pace and can still have a bit of topspin on it. Most finger spinners who bowl that quickly have to undercut the ball. So all that happens is that the ball skids on, unless it is a really bad surface,” Vettori told ESPNCricinfo.

“What Pandya is doing now is challenging the batters with that pace but he also gets the dip. It’s incredibly difficult to read the length. That’s why he’s so successful against left-handers and right-handers,” he added.

Apart from Krunal, left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan (3/24) and Dushmantha Chammeera (2/17) bowled well to keep PBKS at bay.

With the win against Punjab, LSG moved up to third in the points table of IPL 2022. KL Rahul and his men will play against Delhi Capitals on May 1 (Sunday) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Also Read: PBKS vs LSG: Krunal Pandya Has Been Brilliant Throughout The Tournament – KL Rahul After 20-Run Win Over Punjab Kings