Krunal Pandya is an Indian cricketer. He is an all-rounder who 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 2018.
He scored the fastest half-century on ODI debut in 2021. He has also captained Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. He is the elder brother of Hardik Pandya.
In IPL, he started with Mumbai Indians in 2016 and performed well as an all-rounder. In 2017, he played a key match-winning innings and took important wickets. He later played for Lucknow Super Giants and then joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025.
In the 2025 IPL season, he took 17 wickets and scored 109 runs. He also won Player of the Match in the final, becoming the first player to win Player of the Match awards in two IPL finals.
5 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Krunal Pandya
₹100 Wicket and ₹100 Petrol Ride
When young, Krunal’s father offered ₹100 to any college student who could dismiss him. He was nearly impossible to get out. To save fuel, they’d put just ₹100 petrol in the bike, carrying extra in a bottle for the ride home. Double gamble for a dream.
The ‘Maggi Brothers’ Survived Three Years
Before fame, Krunal and Hardik went through severe financial hardship. According to MI owner Nita Ambani, the brothers ate instant Maggi noodles as their primary meal for three straight years during academy training. That struggle earned them the nickname “Maggi Brothers” and built their hunger.
Bought for 20 Times More Than Hardik
Everyone assumes Hardik was the bigger prospect. But in 2015, Hardik was bought by MI for ₹10 lakh. The very next year, Krunal was snapped up by the same franchise for ₹2 crore – 20 times more. He later became the most expensive uncapped player in IPL history.
2 AM Hotel Proposal After IPL Final
After winning IPL 2017 final and being named Player of the Match, Krunal skipped the party. He waited till 2 AM, still in his MI jersey, and asked a teammate to bring his girlfriend Pankhuri to his hotel room. Then he got down on one knee with his trophy.
Shoulder Injury Almost Ended His Career
Long before fame, Krunal suffered a labral shoulder tear that kept him out of competitive cricket for nearly a full year. That serious setback delayed his Ranji Trophy debut until age 25. His rise to the top feels like an incredible comeback because it truly was one.
FAQs
Q. Is Krunal Pandya an all-rounder?
A. Krunal Pandya 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. He plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. And has represented India since 2018.
Q. What record did Krunal Pandya set on ODI debut?
A. Krunal Pandya scored the fastest half-century on ODI debut in 2021.
Q. Which IPL teams has Krunal Pandya joined?
A. Krunal Pandya started with Mumbai Indians in 2016. He later played for Lucknow Super Giants. And joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025.
Q. What was special about his 2025 IPL season?
A. Krunal Pandya took 17 wickets and scored 109 runs. He won Player of the Match in the final. And became the first player to win that award in two IPL finals.
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