Krunal Pandya is a seasoned Indian all-rounder known for his composure, tactical awareness, and consistency across formats. A left-handed batter and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Krunal represents Baroda in domestic cricket and features in the Indian Premier League for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He is also widely recognized as the elder brother of Indian star all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
Over the years, Krunal has built a reputation as a dependable middle-order batter and a clever bowler capable of breaking partnerships, making him a valuable asset in both domestic and franchise cricket.
Krunal Pandya Career Overview
Krunal made his T20 International debut for India against West Indies on November 4, 2018, announcing himself on the global stage with an unbeaten 21 off just nine balls and a wicket with the ball. His impactful performances earned him a spot in India’s T20I series against Australia, where he played all three matches and was named Player of the Match in the final game after returning figures of 4/36.
In March 2021, Krunal was selected for India’s ODI squad for the England series. He made a memorable debut on March 23, 2021, scoring 58* and scripting history by registering the fastest half-century ever on ODI debut, reaching the milestone in just 26 balls.
Krunal Pandya Records and Major Achievements
Krunal’s domestic performances have consistently underlined his all-round abilities. He was Baroda’s top run-scorer and leading wicket-taker in the 2016–17 Vijay Hazare Trophy, accumulating 366 runs at an average of 45.75 while also picking up 11 wickets.
One of his standout red-ball performances came during the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy season, where he scored 160 and 104 in the same match against Railways and claimed six wickets, showcasing his match-winning versatility.
He was also part of India A’s title-winning campaign in the 2017 tri-series involving South Africa A and Afghanistan A. In the IPL, his consistency earned him selections in the ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz IPL XIs in both 2016 and 2017. His all-round display in the 2017 IPL final fetched him the Player of the Match award.
Adding another unique milestone, Krunal became the first cricketer in IPL history to win the Player of the Match award in two different finals after earning the honour again in the 2025 IPL final for his bowling performance.
Krunal Pandya Stats Across Formats
Batting Stats
| Format | Matches | Runs | 100s | 50s | Fours | Sixes |
| ODIs | 5 | 130 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 2 |
| T20Is | 19 | 124 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 6 |
| List A | 95 | 2930 | 3 | 17 | 300 | 58 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | 4W Hauls | 5W Hauls | 10W Hauls |
| ODIs | 5 | 2 | 1/26 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 19 | 15 | 4/36 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 95 | 115 | 6/41 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
Krunal Pandya Personal Life and Early Struggles
Krunal was born in Surat, Gujarat, alongside his younger brother Hardik. Their early life was shaped by financial challenges, but cricket remained the family’s central focus. Their father, Himanshu Pandya, shut down his small car finance business to move the family to Baroda, ensuring better training opportunities for his sons.
The brothers trained at Kiran More’s cricket academy, often traveling to practice in a second-hand car while living in rented accommodation. These formative years played a crucial role in shaping Krunal’s disciplined and grounded personality.
Krunal Pandya IPL 2025 Contract Details
At the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Krunal Pandya was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹5.75 crore. Entering the auction with a base price of ₹2 crore, he attracted strong interest, with RCB eventually winning a bidding battle against Rajasthan Royals to secure his services.
FAQs on Krunal Pandya
Q. Which IPL team signed Krunal Pandya in 2025?
A. Krunal was bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹5.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction.
Q. Does Krunal Pandya have children?
A. Yes, Krunal has two sons with his wife Pankhuri Sharma. Their first son, Kavir, was born in July 2022, followed by their second son, Vayu, in April 2024.
Q. Has Krunal Pandya played for India?
A. Yes, Krunal Pandya has represented India in both One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals.
Stay updated with the latest cricket news on CrickSchedule. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube for live updates.
