We can take down the bowling – How Krunal Pandya’s strong belief got RCB home
Krunal Pandya has been quite a sensation for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the ongoing season. His all-round performance against Delhi Capitals earned him the Player of the Match award in RCB’s brilliant win. His bowling exploits bagged him the crucial scalp of Faf du Plessis while with the bat, he crafted a sensational 73* to guide RCB home.
Talking at the post-match presentation, Pandya opened up on the role assigned to him by the team management and also lauded the clarity that he had while performing. When he came out to bat, he also revealed the message that was passed onto him by Virat, stating that the availability of power-hitters in the lower middle order gives them the opportunity of taking some time in the center.
Shedding some light about his role, Pandya said, “It is always good to see the results. Sometimes when you have put the hard work behind the scenes and feels good when it comes off. It is quite satisfying. My role was clear. If we lose three early wickets, I can go in Make sure we stitch a partnership. We have such great powerhitters - David, Jitesh and Shepherd. We can take down the bowling. Glad that I fulfilled my role.”
Underlining the role of Virat in the mix and how his bowling has improved over the years, Pandya said, “When Virat is at the other end, it is quite easy. First 20 balls, it was scratchy for me. But he kept backing me. Then I got my mojo back. So, a lot of credit to Virat. I have always been an economical bowler. As a bowler, I have always wanted to be one step ahead. I have worked on my bowling. So, if you see the variations in speed. Knowing the batsmen's strength, I am trying to use it to my advantage.”
He concluded by talking about his overall improvement over the years, stating, “Glad it is going in my favour. Over a period of time, batsmanship is getting better. As a bowler, I have realized we need to be one step ahead. Bowling a bouncer and a wide yorker, I have been practicing. I have bowled before as well. I want the batters to keep guessing what I have in my armoury.”
