I just wanted to be one step ahead – Krunal Pandya on his miserly spell against MI

Krunal Pandya bowled a sensational spell, registering figures of 1/26 from his allotment of four overs on a day when both sides posted totals exceeding 200 at the Wankhede Stadium. Those miserly numbers from KP strangulated Mumbai’s run-flow and proved to be a serious dent on their chasing aspirations. Talking in the post-match presser, Krunal Pandya opened up on his blueprint for keeping Mumbai in check.

Highlighting his own frugal figures and his combination with Suyash Sharma who claimed two wickets in that very first over, KP said, “I just wanted to be one step ahead and keep the batsman guessing and that worked for us. And yes, Suyash bowled really well. Taking those two wickets in [his] first over changed the momentum. And I always believe bowling is about partnerships. And we were able to do that for the team, which was quite satisfying.”

Heaping further praise on Suyash Sharma and how Malolan helped him grow, KP added, “He [Suyash] has been getting better. I'll give a lot of credit to Malolan [Rangarajan], who is our spin-bowling coach [and player identification manager]. He has been constantly working with Suyash in the off-season as well as during the season.”

Pandya continued, “He is always having conversations with him. And credit goes to Suyash that he has been able to adapt to things and he has been able to be consistent as a bowler, which always helps in a game where batters are taking you every ball."