India all-rounder Krunal Pandya believes that his younger brother Hardik Pandya has all the qualities to succeed as a leader. Notable that Hardik Pandya has been appointed as captain of the newly inducted Ahmedabad franchise. The franchise picked him, Rashid Khan, and Shubman Gill as their three draft pickings ahead of the auction.
The Pandya brothers so far have played for only Mumbai Indians since their IPL debut. Hardik made his IPL debut in the 2015 season while Krunal followed the suit next season. However, there is a chance that they might play for different franchises now. When Krunal was asked if he would like to join his brother in the Ahmedabad franchise, he said that he would be happy to go anywhere.
Hardik Pandya has been named captain of the Ahmedabad franchise
“If Hardik wants me he can pick me at the auction, otherwise I am happy to go anywhere.” Krunal Pandya spoke to ESPNcricinfo in an interview.
“We do talk about it (auction) but our relationship is very different. Our honesty and loyalty don’t fluctuate though we’re brothers. That’s how it worked (well) so far.” he added.
Further, when he was asked about Hardik’s leadership qualities, the elder brother backed him to succeed in this role as he believes he has all the ingredients to be a successful captain.
“He has all the qualities. He has been a leader in himself for Mumbai Indians and India. I am so happy that he has got this opportunity. We will see his real leadership qualities going forward. He is the kind of character who wants to lead the side whether he is captain or not so I am pretty sure he will do a terrific job,” Krunal Pandya said.
After making his debut in 2016, Krunal played 86 games in IPL and picked 51 wickets with an economy of 7.37. He also scored 1143 runs with a strike rate of 138.55.
Krunal also represented India in 5 ODIs and 19 T20Is. Last year, he scored the fastest fifty (off 26 balls) on his ODI debut by any player. However, since the Sri Lanka tour last year, he has been off the radar from the Indian team.