Krunal Pandya Opens Up About Strained Relationship with Brother Hardik
Krunal Pandya Discusses Family Dynamics on Mr. Nags Show
During his recent appearance on the Mr. Nags show, Krunal Pandya made headlines by revealing that his relationship with his brother, Hardik Pandya, is currently strained. This admission came during a light-hearted conversation, but it quickly turned serious as Krunal confirmed that they are not in contact with each other. This revelation adds a new dimension to the narrative surrounding the Pandya brothers, who have been pivotal figures in modern Indian cricket.
The discussion began with Krunal sharing insights about family life, mentioning how one can sometimes feel the absence of a loved one in a bustling household. Mr. Nags humorously interjected, asking, "like your brother?!" This prompted laughter from Krunal, who then acknowledged the ongoing tension. Mr. Nags likened their situation to the well-known sibling rivalry between WWE characters Kane and Undertaker, highlighting the underlying seriousness of the matter.
Krunal's Professional Aspirations Amid Personal Challenges
While the focus was on family matters, Krunal took the opportunity to reiterate his professional ambitions. He stated that his primary goal is to represent India, emphasizing his commitment to performing well in domestic and franchise cricket. "The ultimate goal is to represent the country, and I don’t dwell too much on it," he remarked. "I want to keep doing what I have in my hand, which is to go out there and perform and win games."
Return to International Cricket: Aiming for Comeback
Krunal last played for India during the July 2021 tour of Sri Lanka, participating in the third ODI on July 20 and the second T20I on July 25 in Colombo. Since then, he has not made any international appearances. Reflecting on his contributions, he noted, "Whatever opportunity I got playing for the country in white ball, I did a pretty decent job at that time. It’s just I want to do my thing, and the rest of the things, I leave it to God."
His international record includes five ODIs and 19 T20Is, accumulating 254 runs and taking 17 wickets. Although his international career has hit a pause, his performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been impressive. Krunal has scored 1757 runs in 146 matches at an average of 21.96, along with 98 wickets at an economy rate of 7.51.
Krunal's IPL Journey: From Mumbai Indians to Lucknow Super Giants
Krunal's IPL career began in 2016 when he was acquired by the Mumbai Indians for Rs 2 crore. He quickly established himself as a crucial player in the lower-middle order, working alongside Hardik and Kieron Pollard. In his debut season, he scored 237 runs at a strike rate of 191.12 and took six wickets. He was named Player of the Match in the 2017 final for his composed innings of 47 off 38 balls, helping MI secure the title.
In 2018, Mumbai retained him for Rs 8.80 crore, and he played significant roles in their title victories in 2019 and 2020, including hitting the winning runs in the 2020 final against Delhi Capitals. With the league expanding in 2022, Krunal joined the Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 8.25 crore, contributing to their consecutive playoff appearances.
In 2025, he was acquired for Rs 5.75 crore at the Jeddah auction, playing a vital role in his team's first IPL championship. His consistent performances across different franchises have solidified his reputation as a reliable all-rounder, even as he continues to pursue his aspirations with the Indian national team.