Male Cricketer
Krunal Himanshu Pandya, born on March 24, 1991, is an accomplished Indian international cricketer renowned for his all-round abilities. He is the older sibling of the famed cricketer Hardik Pandya. Krunal primarily plays for Baroda in domestic cricket and was associated with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
Krunal is a left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler. His international debut for the Indian cricket team took place in November 2018. He achieved a significant milestone in 2021 by scoring the fastest half-century by a debutant in ODIs.
His domestic cricket journey commenced in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy, representing Baroda. He rapidly became a leading run-scorer and wicket-taker for his team. Krunal consistently showcased impressive performances in various formats, including a standout role in India A's victory in a tri-series against South Africa A and Afghanistan A.
In the IPL, Krunal's talents shone for the Mumbai Indians, where he made his debut in 2016. He secured Player of the Match titles on multiple occasions, contributing with both the bat and ball. His aggressive on-field reactions garnered attention in IPL 2021, occasionally turning into meme material.
In international cricket, Krunal's prowess extended to T20Is and ODIs. His T20I debut against the West Indies in 2018 showcased his versatility. He made his ODI debut in March 2021 against England, remarkably achieving the fastest half-century on ODI debut.
Beyond cricket, Krunal is known for being the elder brother of Hardik Pandya. He married Pankhuri Sharma in December 2017 and the couple welcomed their son, Kavir Krunal Pandya, in July 2022. Krunal's journey from domestic leagues to international arenas, marked by remarkable performances and personal milestones, is a testament to his cricketing prowess and dedication