The Lucknow Super Giants defeated Mumbai Indians in a nail-biting game in the final over to increase their chances of making the playoffs. Sunil Gavaskar, a former Indian cricketer, was all praise for LSG captain Krunal Pandya after their victory, even though Marcus Stoinis and Mohsin Khan shone for the London-based team.
After influential captain KL Rahul was forced to withdraw from the ongoing IPL 2023 due to an unfortunate injury, LSG suffered a serious setback. However, since taking over as leader while Rahul was away, his deputy Krunal Pandya has done a fantastic job. Krunal is a cunning operator, much like his brother Hardik, and it was his ability to read the game that helped his side defeat his former side in Lucknow.
Legendary Indian batsman Gavaskar praised Krunal’s leadership skills and game reading after LSG’s victory. The LSG pacer successfully defended 11 runs in the final over despite giving up runs early in the second innings as a result of his decision to support Mohsin Khan.
“Whatever I have seen of Krunal Pandya, he is a terrific reader of the game. Before he was the captain, he used to play for Mumbai Indians, even there his reading of the game, of the situation is great. He bowls a different sort of line depending on the batters’ strength so that is all about being aware and also about the fact that he reads the opponents well, he reads his own game well,”
Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
Along with his leadership skills, Krunal stood out in his team’s crucial matchup against the five-time champions for his all-around prowess. Following a string of wickets, he formed a crucial partnership with Marcus Stoinis in the first innings. He also did a commendable job with the ball, controlling the flow of runs in the second innings.
His team is now in a strong position to advance to the knockout rounds for the second consecutive season. The return of Mohsin to the starting lineup has given the bowlers encouragement, even though Marcus Stoinis appears to have found his form for LSG at the perfect time.