Krunal Pandya is an Indian cricketer who plays as an all-rounder, primarily for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for his left-arm orthodox spin bowling and handy batting lower down the order, Krunal has made a significant impact in both domestic cricket and the Indian team. Alongside his brother, Hardik Pandya, Krunal has emerged as one of the key figures in Indian cricket, particularly in limited-overs formats.
Born into a sports-loving family in Surat, Gujarat, Krunal’s rise to prominence mirrors that of his younger brother Hardik. While Hardik has earned fame for his explosive batting and bowling, Krunal’s approach has been more balanced, focusing on controlling the game with his left-arm spin, scoring crucial runs, and being a dependable all-rounder for his team.
Krunal Pandya Age
As of 2024, Krunal Pandya is 32 years old. Born on March 24, 1991, he is the older sibling of Hardik Pandya. Despite being older, Krunal’s career has seen him progress alongside his younger brother, with both making significant contributions to their team, particularly for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Krunal’s age and experience in the game have helped him become a seasoned all-rounder, capable of influencing matches in various formats.
Krunal Pandya Date of Birth
Krunal Pandya was born on March 24, 1991, in Surat, Gujarat, India. His date of birth marks the beginning of his cricketing journey, which would later see him represent both his state team, Baroda, and the national team of India. Growing up, Krunal was influenced by the sports culture in his family and began playing cricket from a young age, initially focusing on batting and later developing his bowling skills.
Krunal Pandya Height and Weight
Krunal Pandya stands at a height of 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs around 75 kg (165 lbs). Like his younger brother Hardik, Krunal possesses a strong and athletic build, which helps him with both his batting and bowling. Krunal’s physical fitness is crucial to his ability to bowl long spells as a left-arm orthodox spinner, while also maintaining the energy to contribute with the bat, especially in the lower middle order.
His fitness is an essential part of his game, allowing him to stay agile on the field and maintain the consistency required for his all-rounder role. While not as explosive as Hardik in terms of power hitting, Krunal’s fitness and stamina have always been key components of his cricketing career.
Krunal Pandya Career
Krunal Pandya’s cricketing career began with Baroda in domestic cricket, where he made his mark as a reliable all-rounder. His consistent performances in domestic competitions such as the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earned him recognition and a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Krunal was initially known for his bowling, but his batting abilities soon gained prominence, and he became known for his ability to contribute in pressure situations.
Domestic Cricket
Krunal’s rise began in the Ranji Trophy, where he represented Baroda. He quickly established himself as a reliable all-rounder, with a combination of useful batting in the middle order and his handy left-arm orthodox spin bowling. His consistent performances in domestic cricket caught the attention of IPL franchises, leading to his eventual selection in the Mumbai Indians squad in 2016.
IPL Career
Krunal Pandya made his IPL debut in 2016 for the Mumbai Indians, joining his younger brother Hardik, which made for an exciting family duo. Over the years, Krunal became one of the most trusted all-rounders in the IPL. His ability to bowl tight spells and contribute with crucial runs in the lower middle order made him an invaluable player for the Mumbai Indians.
Krunal’s consistent performances were pivotal in Mumbai’s success, including their 2017, 2019, and 2020 IPL titles. His left-arm orthodox spin is often used to break partnerships, and his calm temperament under pressure has made him a go-to player for the team. He has been known to hit crucial boundaries and take wickets at vital moments, especially in the middle overs.
In terms of his IPL stats, Krunal has taken over 50 wickets and scored more than 1000 runs. His all-round contributions have made him one of the most dependable players in the league.
International Career
Krunal’s consistent performances in the IPL led to his debut for the Indian national team in 2018. He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka and his T20I debut in the same year. In his early years with the Indian team, Krunal showed that he could adapt to international cricket, contributing with both bat and ball in crucial matches.
In his brief international career, Krunal has played several key matches for India, particularly in limited-overs formats. His all-round skills have made him a valuable asset, particularly in the middle overs, both as a bowler and a batter. Krunal has been part of several memorable moments for India, including helping them win important series and matches in challenging conditions.
Krunal Pandya Net Worth
As of 2024, Krunal Pandya’s estimated net worth is around $5 million (approximately ₹40-45 crore). His wealth primarily comes from his IPL contract, his Indian team salary, and endorsements. Like his brother, Hardik, Krunal is also a marketable figure, with endorsement deals from various brands in the sports, lifestyle, and fitness sectors.
The majority of his earnings come from his IPL contract with Mumbai Indians, where he has been a key player for several seasons. Additionally, his contracts with the Indian cricket team and various endorsement deals have helped boost his net worth significantly.
Krunal Pandya Wife
Krunal Pandya is married to Pankhuri Sharma, a former model and social media influencer. The couple tied the knot in 2022 in an intimate ceremony. Pankhuri is often seen supporting Krunal during his cricket matches, and the two share a strong bond. The couple occasionally shares glimpses of their personal life on social media, and their relationship is widely followed by fans.
Pankhuri has also been involved in various charity events and social causes. The couple’s personal life has been well-received by fans, who often shower them with love and admiration.
Krunal Pandya Brother
Krunal Pandya’s younger brother, Hardik Pandya, is one of the most popular and successful cricketers in India. Hardik’s career has been more high-profile, with his explosive batting and fast bowling, making him a key player for the Indian cricket team and the Mumbai Indians. Despite the difference in playing styles, the Pandya brothers share a close relationship and have often credited each other for their growth and success in cricket.
Both Hardik and Krunal have represented India at various levels, and their success in international cricket and the IPL has made the Pandya name synonymous with modern Indian cricket. The two have supported each other through the ups and downs of their careers and have become one of the most successful brother duos in the world of cricket.
Krunal Pandya Highest Score
Krunal Pandya’s highest score in ODI cricket is 86 runs off 72 balls, which he achieved during a match against Sri Lanka in 2018. This knock helped showcase his ability to perform under pressure and his capability to anchor an innings when required. As a lower-middle-order batter, Krunal has often been tasked with providing stability or acceleration during critical phases of the game, and his highest score in ODIs is a testament to his skill in doing so.
In the IPL, Krunal’s highest score is 86 runs, which he scored in the 2018 season. His ability to hit boundaries and turn the game around in the death overs has made him one of the key players for Mumbai Indians in several seasons.
Krunal Pandya IPL
Krunal Pandya’s IPL career has been a journey of steady growth and consistency. After his debut in 2016, Krunal became a regular fixture in the Mumbai Indians lineup. He was instrumental in helping the team win the 2017, 2019, and 2020 IPL titles, contributing with both the ball and the bat.
As of 2024, Krunal has played over 80 IPL matches, taking more than 50 wickets and scoring over 1000 runs. His versatility as an all-rounder has been a major factor in Mumbai’s success, as he has often bowled tight overs in the middle and provided crucial runs when needed. His calmness and maturity on the field have made him one of the most trusted players in the IPL.
In conclusion, Krunal Pandya has carved out a successful career as an all-rounder in Indian cricket, with consistent performances in domestic cricket, the IPL, and international matches. His skill set, particularly as a left-arm spinner and middle-order batsman, continues to make him a valuable player for both Mumbai Indians and the Indian national team.
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