Krunal Pandya is an Indian all-rounder. He bats left-handed and bowls slow left-arm spin. He plays for Baroda in domestic cricket and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. He made his T20I debut for India in November 2018. In 2021, he scored the fastest fifty on ODI debut.
He has also captained Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL in the past. He is the elder brother of Hardik Pandya. He married Pankhuri Sharma in 2017 and has two sons. He also played county cricket for Warwickshire in 2022.
Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Krunal Pandya
Tore Up a Government Job Offer
Krunal couldn’t make Baroda’s Ranji team. His father suggested a stable Speed Post job. Krunal rejected it, tore up the letter, and gave trials for the 2014 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy instead. He got selected, and John Wright scouted him there. That led to his Mumbai Indians contract.
The ‘Maggi Brothers’ Nickname
During their tough training days at Kiran More’s academy, Krunal and Hardik often survived on instant noodles. They couldn’t afford full meals. That struggle earned them the nickname “Maggi Brothers.” A testament to their unbreakable bond and shared dream of making it big despite having almost nothing.
Broke Down on Live TV After ODI Debut
On his ODI debut in 2021, Krunal smashed the fastest fifty for a debutant (26 balls). But in the post-match interview, he broke down. His father had passed away just two months earlier. He could barely speak, gesturing he’d talk later. His father’s last words: “Your time will come now.”
First Pandya Brother to Dream of India
Everyone thinks Hardik was the cricketer in the family. But it was elder brother Krunal who was initially the bigger talent. Their father pinned all his hopes on Krunal, constantly asking the coach, “Tell me honestly, will Krunal play for India?” The dream started with him.
Bought for 20 Times More Than Hardik in IPL
In 2015, Hardik was picked by Mumbai Indians for ₹10 lakh. Just one year later, Krunal was bought by the same team for ₹2 crore – 20 times higher. He later became the most expensive uncapped player in IPL history. A stunning reversal of fortunes.
Carried Extra Petrol in a Bottle to Save Money
To save fuel, Krunal and his father would put just ₹100 worth of petrol in the car. They carried extra fuel in a separate bottle to keep the vehicle running for practice. Others assumed they were rich because they came in a car. Nobody knew the silent struggle.
Proposed at 2 AM After Winning IPL 2017 Final
After winning the IPL 2017 final, Krunal was named Player of the Match. He asked a teammate to bring his girlfriend Pankhuri to his hotel room at 2 AM. Still in his MI jersey, holding the trophy, he got down on one knee and proposed. She said yes.
Merged Four Apartments into One Mansion
Krunal lives in a 6,000-square-foot penthouse in Vadodara made by merging four luxury flats, worth ₹3.5-5 crore. He also owns a ₹30 crore apartment in Khar West, Mumbai. A single home for his entire family – spacious, unified, and completely custom-built.
Owns a ₹3.22 Crore Lamborghini Huracan EVO
In August 2019, Krunal bought a brand-new Lamborghini Huracan EVO worth ₹3.22 crore. His collection also includes a Mercedes-Maybach GLS. From surviving on Maggi to owning a supercar – his decade-long journey is proof that patience and discipline pay off.
Waited Till 25 for His First Ranji Match
Krunal made his Ranji debut for Baroda at age 25 – late by cricket standards. In that first match, he shared the dressing room with Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara. From a 13-year gap in his resume to playing for India – a story of sheer discipline.
FAQs
Q. Is Krunal Pandya an all-rounder?
A. Krunal Pandya is an Indian all-rounder who bats left-handed and bowls slow left-arm spin.
Q. Which teams does Krunal Pandya play for?
A. Krunal Pandya plays for Baroda in domestic cricket and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL.
Q. When did Krunal Pandya debut for India?
A. Krunal Pandya made his T20I debut in November 2018 and later scored the fastest fifty on ODI debut in 2021.
Q. What is his connection with Hardik Pandya?
A. Hardik Pandya is his younger brother.
Q. What is the story about his government job offer?
A. Krunal Pandya rejected and tore up a Speed Post job offer. He chose cricket, got selected in a tournament, and that led to his IPL career.
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