'I Feel For Him': Krunal Pandya Pats Brother Hardik's Back After RCB's Win Over MI
Just when it seemed the Mumbai Indians would chase down a steep target of 222 with Hardik Pandya (42) and Tilak Varma (56) batting with ferocity, hell broke lose.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya has said that while the love and affection between him and brother Hardik remains intact, one of them had to lose on the day and he feels for his younger brother, who ended up on the losing side while leading Mumbai Indians on Monday.
Just when it seemed MI would chase down a steep target of 222 with Hardik (42) and Tilak Varma (56) batting with ferocity, Krunal kept his composure and grabbed three wickets in the last over to take the wind out of the home side’s sails.
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On his bonding with brother Hardik, who hit some lofty shots and was on the verge of taking the match away from Bengaluru with his 15-ball innings, Krunal said that the two cherish the affection they have for each other.
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“The bond that we have, at the end of the day, we knew only one (Pandya) would win. But the love and affection we have for each other is very natural. He (Hardik) batted well," Krunal admitted while speaking at the post-match presentation.
“We won and I also wanted to win, he also wanted to win. I feel for him," the elder brother said.
Krunal added that Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar always backs his players, one of the reasons they have begun so well this season.
Bengaluru are third with six points from four matches, while Mumbai have just two from five games.
“Rajat has been terrific the way he has started. A captain who gives you that comfort, he gives you the ball and backs your game-plan. Sometimes, as a bowler, you want that," Krunal said.
“He has a calm demeanour, does not make things complicated. Been good playing under him. Jitesh (Sharma, 40 not out) has been terrific, he has improved his game. The game awareness while batting has been top-notch," Krunal added.
RCB play their next game against the Delhi Capitals on April 10 in Bengaluru.
“I don’t want to jinx it (winning the trophy) or say it, but we all know what you want at the end of the season. Just want to keep my head down and keep winning," Krunal said.
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