Cricket is more than just a sport. It’s an art that requires dedication, focus, and passion. But sometimes, even the most dedicated athletes can hit a rough patch, and that’s when they need to take a step back and re-evaluate their game. That’s precisely what Krunal Pandya did. The Lucknow Super Giants all-rounder went back to the basics to rediscover his love for cricket, and it showed in his performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Pandya’s all-round display helped the Super Giants to a five-wicket victory with 24 balls to spare. He picked up three wickets and scored 34 runs, leading his team to the top of the table with two wins in three matches. Pandya credits his success to the break he took from cricket, which allowed him to refresh and reboot his mind.
“I’m very process-driven, don’t think about results,” Pandya said in a post-match interview. “I took a break from cricket for a few months because I was just playing the white-ball formats, so wanted some time off to work on my bowling. What happened last two-three years was I kept getting wider and wider. Whatever I did in the last three-four months — getting taller and getting the ball to turn away, it is all coming out really well.”
Pandya’s clarity of mind helped him find his rhythm and consistency, both in his bowling and batting. He dedicated his performance to his wife, who has been a constant source of support and inspiration.
Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul was impressed with his team’s performance, especially how they adapted to the pitch’s nature. The players batted smartly and played to their strengths, with each person contributing in their unique way.
Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Aiden Markram admitted that his team fell short of a competitive total, losing too many wickets and failing to get any momentum going.
In the end, Pandya’s story is a reminder that even the best athletes can struggle, and it’s okay to take a break to find your passion and hunger again. With hard work, dedication, and a clear mind, anything is possible. And for Pandya, the sky’s the limit.
