IPL 2018: Hardik Pandya Has Transformed Himself As A Bowler, Says Brother Krunal

India and Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Hardik Pandya produced a man-of-the-match performance in his team’s 13-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash on Sunday. After his stellar performance with both bat and ball, Hardik has earned plaudits from his elder brother Krunal Pandya. Krunal said he was happy to see his brother’s improvement as a bowler. “Really happy for him. He has transformed himself as a bowler. Improved as a bowler. That’s a great sign. Whatever he was bowling last and this year, he is using his brains. He is also batting and bowling well. I am happy for him”, Krunal was seen speaking in a video shared by Mumbai Indians’ official Twitter account.

Hardik’s 2/19 figures against KKR in four overs pushed him to the top of the highest-wicket takers list in IPL 2018. Hardik now has 14 wickets in 9 matches so far at an impressive average of 16.78. Brother Krunal also has taken 9 wickets and is placed 12th in the list of highest wicket-taking bowlers this season of IPL.

Krunal also said it was him who told Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma to let him bowl the last over. “Last match in Delhi – I had told him I wanted to bowl the last over. So he asked me to bowl the last over against KKR,” he said.

KKR had needed 23 runs off the last over and Krunal bowled well to ensure Mumbai edged Kolkata by 13 runs.

Praising Mumbai’s never-say-die attitude, Krunal said, “MI are known for their fighting spirit. We will take one game at a time. We want to win games. It was a great show by all the players.”

Mumbai Indians will now visit KKR’s home ground Eden Gardens for their return fixture on Wednesday.