Cricket

Ind vs Eng 2021: Krunal Pandya took the pressure off KL Rahul – Sunil Gavaskar

 

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has heaped praise on all-rounder Krunal Pandya for his blistering batting on his debut in the first ODI against England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Tuesday. The senior Pandya joined forces with KL Rahul when India was 205-5 after 40.3 overs.

Thus, it looked like that the team will even struggle to reach 280 at that stage as KL Rahul was still yet to get off the blocks. However, Krunal Pandya hared off as soon as he came to the crease and scored 18 runs off the first nine deliveries. The left-hander took the attack against the English bowlers and batted fearlessly.

Pandya was high on confidence after having a sublime Vijay Hazare Trophy and he was able to hit the ground running. The southpaw raced to a 26-ball fifty, which is the fastest-ever for any debutant in the ODI format.

Thus, Krunal Pandya took the pressure off KL Rahul’s shoulder, who also bounce back to form. Rahul took his time in the initial phase but ended his innings strongly as he smashed 62 runs from 43 balls. In fact, KL Rahul had scored 15 runs from the first 22 balls but then changed gears to smash 47 runs from the next 21 balls he faced.

The right and left-hand batting combination smashed 112 runs off the last 57 balls to take India to a fighting score of 317, which proved to be enough in the end. Pandya scored 58 from 31 balls with the help of seven fours and two sixes as he scored his runs at a whirlwind strike rate of 187.10.

“With KL Rahul not quite hitting at that particular point, somebody had to take the initiative. Krunal took the initiative and eased it for KL Rahul. That’s what team spirit is all about – easing the pressure off your teammate. That’s why his batting was so impressive,” Sunil Gavaskar said while talking to Star Sports. 

KL Rahul also got back into form as he had mustered only 15 runs in the four T20Is against England. Thus, Rahul’s return to form was another big positive for the Indian team.

On the other hand, Krunal Pandya scalped one wicket and conceded 59 runs in his quota of 10 overs, to have a perfect debut. The second ODI will take place at the same venue in Pune on Friday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: U Mumba vs Bengaluru Bulls – Match Preview

Bengaluru Bulls will lock horns against U Mumba in the 76th match of the ongoing… Read More

November 22, 2024

AUS vs IND 2024: Sanjay Manjrekar hopeful of Virat Kohli having one final say in Australia, says pacey pitches will suit the batter

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar expects Virat Kohli to have one final say in Australia… Read More

November 22, 2024

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Puneri Paltan vs Bengal Warriorz – Match Preview

The defending champions Puneri Paltan will face Bengal Warriorz in the 73rd match of the… Read More

November 22, 2024

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Gujarat Giants vs Telugu Titans – Match Preview

Gujarat Giants will take the mat against Telugu Titans in the 71st match of the… Read More

November 22, 2024

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024