Krunal Pandya happy to chip in with small, impactful performances

New Delhi, Oct 17 : Mumbai Indians’ (MI) Krunal Pandya lost his place in Indian T20 team to Ravindra Jadeja late last year, but the left-arm spinner who also provides big-hitting option feels his performances for MI can bring him back into India reckoning.
With Hardik Pandya not bowling at all and Kieron Pollard bowling limited number of overs this season, Krunal has been tasked with the job of playing the lead all-rounder’s role.
So far, Krunal has picked five wickets in eight matches and conceded 7.8 runs per over while with the bat, he hasn’t got too many balls to face as the MI batting line-up has clicked.
“I like challenges; I like facing new things. It helps you to know [your] strength and weaknesses. I love taking responsibility,” he told reporters in a virtual interaction.
“I have been doing this role for MI — coming into bat with a few balls to face and picking wickets here and there — for the last four-five years. This year also, I am happy with the way I have gone about my bowling and batting. Our top order has batted well, so I have hardly got to bat, but whatever I have batted, I have made an impact with the bat and also with the ball. What you say is right that it is a thankless job, but that is what I love doing. I like those tough situations as a player,” he said.
Krunal sees himself as a player who can make an impact and is happy chipping in with match-winning performances even if they are small.