He attributes improvements to fitness, including a change that strengthens his vertical brace and helps his left-arm spin generate more bounce.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nFrom matting wickets to IPL pressure spells<\/h2>\n
As the league\u2019s defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru look to protect their title, Krunal has become a crucial part of their spin plans over the last two seasons. The elder of the Pandya brothers has also built a reputation for delivering in high-pressure phases\u2014most notably in last year\u2019s final, where his 2\/17 haul won him the Player of the Match award and reinforced his importance in tight moments.<\/p>\n
Now 35, Krunal continues to look for ways to evolve, both in mindset and execution. Having experienced the full spectrum of professional cricket\u2014its highs, its setbacks, and the grind in between\u2014he says the journey has made him more grounded and reflective. With growing seniority in the competition, he remains driven by the desire to keep improving and contribute wherever he is needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cLongevity\u201d and the logic behind reinvention<\/h2>\n
In an interview, Krunal spoke about how the past decade has shaped his game and his outlook. He described his time in the IPL as something he views with gratitude, noting that when players reach the highest level, they naturally aim to stay involved for as long as possible. For him, the proudest marker is longevity\u2014being in his 11th season\u2014and the steady improvement he believes he has shown across that span.<\/p>\n
He also pointed to the learning curve that comes with surviving extreme days over a ten-year stretch. Those experiences, he said, have made him more humble and increased his appreciation for both the sport and life beyond it. The objective remains straightforward: keep getting better and help his team win games.<\/p>\n
Asked whether that desire to reinvent is where his hunger comes from, Krunal agreed. He said he does not avoid trying new ideas if he believes they can offer an advantage. However, he stressed that experimentation is never about flashy gimmicks or doing something merely for attention. Instead, he insists there is always careful reasoning behind changes, along with planning around execution and the likely outcome.<\/p>\n
Fitness-led changes and a taller action for more bounce<\/h2>\n
Krunal clarified that his developments have not happened overnight. He explained that adding variations like bouncers or other changes requires significant practice and repetition rather than sudden alterations in style.<\/p>\n
He then addressed where his India ambitions stand while balancing commitments to RCB and Baroda. Krunal said the goal sits \u201cat the top of the table,\u201d adding that nothing matters more to him than representing the country. He maintained that the motivation to play for India has not changed, and that whenever he has received the chance, he has tried to perform. His approach, he said, is to focus on what is in his control\u2014putting in his best effort in the sport he plays.<\/p>\n
On a specific mechanical shift, Krunal pointed to fitness as the key factor. He said behind-the-scenes conditioning often goes underappreciated, but it directly influences how much a player can adapt. In his view, being fitter allows a cricketer to attempt new improvements; otherwise, the body may limit adjustments. By working toward being the fittest version of himself, he believes he has opened up space to develop new elements in his bowling.<\/p>\n
He also discussed how a new release height has helped him generate more bounce and more \u201czip\u201d off the surface. According to Krunal, when he bowls left-arm spin now, he is taller in his action compared to before. He has shortened his stride to help create that extra bounce, and he connected the change to the realities of the IPL\u2014where batters often do not get long spells of grip from the wicket, making deception essential. For him, the best cricket he has played in his career has come when he follows his instincts, supported by the improved mechanics he has built.<\/p>\n
Short balls, limited batting chances, and milestones in the IPL<\/h2>\n
When asked to expand on making the short ball a wicket-taking option, Krunal said people have placed considerable emphasis on that delivery. Over the last couple of years, he has noticed data suggesting he has bowled the maximum number of bouncers\u2014something he described as unusual. Even so, he does not fixate on one type of ball. His primary focus, he said, is to stay one step ahead of the batter.<\/p>\n
On how he has worked on batting given fewer opportunities in recent seasons, Krunal explained that over the last three to four years he has not had many chances to bat in the IPL. Still, he believes the mental process remains the same: evolve, keep improving, and be ready to take advantage when an opening appears. He noted that the batting group has performed exceptionally well over the last two years, so he has no complaints about his opportunities. But whenever he gets the chance, he will give his full effort.<\/p>\n
He then reflected on the scale of his IPL journey, citing more than 1,800 runs and over 100 wickets. To sum it up, he said the word is \u201cgrateful.\u201d He also highlighted what he called the icing on the cake\u2014four trophies in total, with three of them coming with Mumbai Indians.<\/p>\n
Finally, he addressed why he does not back down from challenges, saying that mindset comes naturally to him and was learned from his parents. He described their attitude as one of never backing away from anything, and said the willpower to keep fighting and not give up has been ingrained in him through their example.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BENGALURU: Nearly 15 years ago, in Palej\u2014a small settlement in Gujarat\u2019s Bharuch district\u2014Krunal Pandya spent his early days learning how to survive on difficult matting…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8438,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Krunal Pandya IPL Journey: Gujarat Roots to India Glory","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover how Krunal Pandya\u2019s Gujarat beginnings shaped his IPL craft, discipline, and drive to reach India glory with every delivery.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n
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