Full Name: Krunal Himanshu Pandya
Date of Birth: March 24, 1991
Place of Birth: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Nationality: Indian
Occupation: Cricketer (All-rounder)
Batting Style: Left-handed
Bowling Style: Slow left-arm orthodox
Role: All-rounder
Teams: India National Cricket Team, Baroda, Mumbai Indians (IPL), Lucknow Super Giants (IPL)
Early Life and Background
Krunal Pandya was born on March 24, 1991, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, into a middle-class family that faced its share of struggles before success found them. His father, Himanshu Pandya, was a small businessman who ran a car finance business, while his mother, Nalini Pandya, was a homemaker.
Krunal and his younger brother, Hardik Pandya, shared a deep love for cricket from childhood. Their father recognized their passion early on and moved the family from Surat to Vadodara so that both brothers could train at the Kiran More Cricket Academy, a decision that became the turning point of their lives.
Growing up, Krunal was known for his determination, disciplined approach, and ability to adapt — qualities that would later define his cricketing career.
Domestic Cricket Journey
Krunal made his domestic debut for Baroda in 2012, but it wasn’t until the 2016 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy that he caught national attention. His explosive batting and sharp left-arm spin made him one of Baroda’s most valuable players.
In List A and T20 tournaments, Krunal showcased his ability to turn matches around single-handedly — whether by scoring quick runs in the death overs or breaking partnerships with his clever spin. His consistency and maturity in domestic cricket soon made him a hot prospect for IPL franchises.
Rise in the IPL – The Mumbai Indians Journey
Krunal Pandya’s big break came during the 2016 IPL auction, when the Mumbai Indians (MI) bought him for ₹2 crore — a massive leap for an uncapped player. He quickly became one of MI’s most dependable all-rounders, contributing with both bat and ball.
His breakout season came in IPL 2017, where he played a match-winning knock of 47 runs off 38 balls in the final against Rising Pune Supergiant, earning the Man of the Match award and helping Mumbai clinch the title.
In the following seasons (2018–2020), Krunal’s aggressive left-handed batting in the middle order and his economical bowling during powerplays made him a mainstay in MI’s lineup. Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, Krunal became a three-time IPL champion with Mumbai Indians.
After several successful seasons, Krunal was picked by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 2022 IPL mega auction, where he also took on a leadership role, occasionally captaining the side.
International Cricket Career
Krunal Pandya made his T20I debut for India on November 4, 2018, against the West Indies in Kolkata. In his debut match, he impressed everyone with a quickfire 21 off 9 balls and picked up a wicket — a dream start to his international career.
His ODI debut came on March 23, 2021, against England in Pune. It turned out to be an emotional and record-breaking debut — Krunal smashed the fastest fifty by a debutant in ODI history (off just 26 balls) and dedicated his innings to his late father. His heartfelt gesture and tears on live television after reaching the milestone won millions of hearts.
Though his appearances for India have been limited due to competition for the all-rounder spot, Krunal remains a dependable player who brings energy and experience whenever given a chance.
Playing Style
Krunal Pandya is a fearless left-handed all-rounder known for his aggressive batting in the lower-middle order and his accuracy as a spinner.
- As a batsman, he’s capable of accelerating quickly, particularly against pace bowling.
- As a bowler, his smart variations and control under pressure make him a useful option during the middle overs.
- His fielding is another asset — Krunal is known for his athleticism and sharp reflexes in the field.
He’s often praised for his confidence, calm temperament, and leadership qualities — something that sets him apart as a team player.
Personal Life
Krunal Pandya married Pankhuri Sharma on December 27, 2017, in a grand ceremony attended by many cricketers and celebrities. The couple shares a strong bond and is often seen supporting each other during matches and events.
In July 2022, Krunal and Pankhuri welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Kavir Pandya, adding a new chapter to their family life.
Krunal shares a close and emotional relationship with his younger brother Hardik Pandya. The two have often spoken about how they inspired and supported each other through struggles, and their bond is one of the most loved brotherly duos in Indian cricket.
Achievements and Records
- Fastest fifty on ODI debut (26 balls vs. England, 2021).
- Man of the Match in IPL 2017 final.
- Three-time IPL Champion with Mumbai Indians (2017, 2019, 2020).
- Represented India in both ODIs and T20Is.
- Consistent performer in domestic cricket for Baroda and in IPL for over a decade.
Off the Field
Apart from cricket, Krunal Pandya is known for his humble personality and philanthropy. He’s often involved in community work and is vocal about mental health, fitness, and supporting underprivileged athletes.
Krunal and Hardik also co-own a cricket academy in Baroda, aimed at nurturing young talent from smaller towns and giving them the right facilities to pursue professional cricket.
Personality and Public Image
Krunal is known for his positive attitude, discipline, and sportsmanship. On and off the field, he maintains a balanced personality — emotional yet strong, confident yet grounded. His journey from a struggling cricketer in Vadodara to an international player is an inspiring story of resilience and family support.
He’s also admired for his fashion sense, leadership qualities, and his close-knit relationship with his family — often being seen as a role model for upcoming cricketers who want to balance success with humility.
Conclusion
Krunal Pandya’s story is one of determination, consistency, and family values. From training on modest grounds in Baroda to lifting IPL trophies and wearing the Indian jersey, he has proven that passion and perseverance can overcome any challenge.
Whether with bat, ball, or leadership, Krunal continues to inspire countless young players who dream of representing India — showing that with hard work and belief, dreams truly do come true.
