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Krunal Pandya Eyes India Return, Says Playing for Country is Ultimate Goal

Krunal Pandya has stated that representing India remains his ultimate goal, despite not playing internationally since 2021. He is currently focused on performing well and winning games in the IPL, trusting that opportunities will follow. Pandya has been a consistent all-rounder in the IPL, playing crucial roles for Mumbai Indians and later Lucknow Super Giants. His standout performance in the IPL 2025 final, where he was Player of the Match, was instrumental in securing his team's maiden title.

Key Points: Krunal Pandya Aims for India Comeback, Focused on IPL Performances

  • Aims for India comeback
  • Last played for India in 2021
  • Key IPL performer
  • IPL 2025 Final Player of the Match
  • Trusts process and performance
3 min read

Playing for India is the ultimate goal: Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya discusses his goal to play for India again, reflecting on his past performances and key role in Lucknow Super Giants' IPL 2025 title win.

"The ultimate goal is to represent the country... I want to keep doing what I have in my hand, which is to go out there and perform and win games. - Krunal Pandya"

Mumbai, April 13

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Krunal Pandya emphasised that playing for India is his ultimate goal, while he is currently focused on delivering strong performances and contributing to team victories, trusting that opportunities will follow.

Pandya last represented India during the July 2021 tour of Sri Lanka, featuring in the third ODI on July 20 and the second T20I on July 25 at Colombo (RPS). He has not made an international appearance since then.

"The ultimate goal is to represent the country, and I don't dwell too much on it. I want to keep doing what I have in my hand, which is to go out there and perform and win games. And in that process, if I get that opportunity, I'll be really glad because that's the ultimate goal, playing for the country," Pandya told the reporters.

"And yeah, 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," he added.

Pandya has played 5 ODIs and 19 T20S fixtures for India. He has made 254 in 24 matches combined, while with the ball, he has scalped 17 wickets.

He remains a prodigy in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pandya has slammed 1757 runs in IPL so far in 146 fixtures at an average of 21.96, while with the ball, he has scalped 98 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.51.

Mumbai Indians got Krunal Pandya in the IPL 2016 auction for Rs 2 crore. He quickly became a key part of a strong lower-middle order at MI alongside Hardik and Kieron Pollard. Pandya scored 237 runs, striking at 191.12, in his first IPL season, and took six wickets.

In the 2017 IPL final, he earned the Player of the Match award for a composed 47 off 38 balls in a low-scoring contest. The following year, MI re-signed him at the auction for Rs 8.80 crore.

He remained a key figure in Mumbai's middle order during their back-to-back title wins in 2019 and 2020, notably hitting the winning runs in the 2020 final against Delhi Capitals. With the addition of two new teams in 2022, he returned to the auction and was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 8.25 crore, contributing to their playoff appearances in each of their first two seasons.

Pandya then joined in IPL 2025 after being snapped up for Rs 5.75 crore at the auction in Jeddah and played a vital role in his side's maiden IPL victory. Pandya was named Player of the Match in the IPL 2025 Final after leading, producing figures of 4-0-17-2 against the Punjab Kings.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Respect for Krunal! He's been so consistent for every franchise he's played for. That economy rate of 7.51 in the IPL is gold dust. Sometimes players who aren't flashy but are reliable get overlooked. Hope he gets another chance in blue.
R
Rohit P
With all due respect, I feel the Indian team has moved on. We have so many young all-rounders like Shivam Dube and Riyan Parag coming up. Krunal is 33+ now. His time might have passed. It's good he's focusing on IPL performances.
S
Sarah B
Player of the Match in an IPL final is no small feat! That shows big-match temperament. If he keeps performing like that, how can the selectors ignore him? His experience could be valuable in a tournament like the Champions Trophy.
V
Vikram M
His journey from 2 crore to 8.8 crore and still being a match-winner is inspirational. It's the classic Indian middle-class dream - work hard, stay dedicated, and rewards will follow. More power to him! 🏏
K
Kavya N
I appreciate his mindset. Not getting desperate, just focusing on the process. That's the lesson for all of us, not just cricketers. Perform in the field you are in, and the right opportunity will find you. All the best, Krunal!

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