Who is Krunal Pandya?

Krunal Himanshu Pandya is an Indian cricketer renowned for his all-round abilities in limited-overs formats. Born on March 24, 1991, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, he has represented India in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). In domestic cricket, he plays for Baroda, and in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has been a key player for teams like Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Known for his left-arm orthodox spin bowling and aggressive left-handed batting, Krunal has been a consistent performer in the IPL and for the national team

Early Life and Education

Krunal Pandya was born on March 24, 1991, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, to a middle-class family. He was raised in a family where cricket was a passion, which played a significant role in shaping his future career. Krunal’s early exposure to cricket came from his father, Himanshu Pandya, who was a businessman and a cricket enthusiast. His younger brother, Hardik Pandya, is also a prominent cricketer, making the Pandya family one of the most well-known cricketing families in India.

Growing up in a city that has produced several notable cricketers, Krunal showed an interest in cricket from a young age. He attended the local school in Ahmedabad, where he began honing his skills in the game. However, unlike many cricketers who come from established cricketing backgrounds, Krunal had to work hard to get noticed.

During his school years, Krunal was known for his all-round abilities and was a part of the school’s cricket team. He was more inclined towards batting early in his career, and his powerful left-handed hitting was noticed by coaches. His rise in the cricketing world wasn’t easy, and it took years of rigorous training and dedication to get his first big break.

Krunal Pandya did not attend any formal cricket academy during his early years, unlike some of his contemporaries. Instead, he played street cricket and local matches, where he was spotted by coaches. His journey towards professional cricket was marked by determination and a belief that he could make it to the top. Despite the lack of formal education in cricket, his commitment and natural talent helped him get selected for age-group cricket competitions, eventually leading him to represent Gujarat at the domestic level.

Career

Krunal Pandya’s career in cricket is a testament to his perseverance and hard work. His rise to fame was not overnight, and he had to fight hard to get noticed. His first major break came when he was selected for the Baroda state team for the 2016-17 domestic season. His all-round performance in domestic cricket earned him a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he would go on to make his name.

Domestic Career

Before his IPL debut, Krunal played for Baroda in various domestic tournaments. He first came into the limelight during the 2016-17 season, where he played outstandingly well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s domestic T20 competition. His performances in domestic cricket impressed several IPL franchise scouts, leading to his selection for Mumbai Indians in 2016.

Krunal’s domestic performances continued to improve, and he became one of the most valuable all-rounders in Indian domestic cricket. His ability to bowl slow left-arm orthodox spin and contribute with the bat made him a dual-threat, which gave him a distinct advantage in limited-overs formats.

IPL Career

Krunal Pandya’s journey in the IPL began with Mumbai Indians in 2016, and he became an integral part of their squad over the years. His performances with the bat and ball were critical to Mumbai’s success, especially in pressure situations. He played a pivotal role in Mumbai Indians’ IPL title wins in 2017 and 2019, cementing his place in the franchise.

During his time with Mumbai, Krunal established himself as a key player, known for his calm demeanor under pressure, and his performances in crunch situations helped Mumbai secure many important victories. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a highly sought-after player in the IPL.

In 2022, Krunal made the switch to Lucknow Super Giants, where he continued to make significant contributions. His consistent all-round performances for Lucknow solidified his status as one of the most reliable all-rounders in T20 cricket.

International Career

Krunal Pandya’s international debut came in 2018 when he was selected for the Indian national team for the T20I series against West Indies. His debut was a remarkable one, as he showcased his ability to impact both the bat and ball. His ODI debut came in 2021 against England, where he continued to impress with his performances in the middle order and with the ball.

Krunal’s all-round capabilities have been vital for India in limited-overs cricket. He has played several key roles in India’s victories in major series, providing balance to the team. His performances in T20Is and ODIs have helped him maintain a spot in the Indian squad, making him one of the key players to watch in future cricketing events.

Krunal Pandya: Career Overview

Krunal Pandya is an Indian cricketer renowned for his all-round abilities. Born on March 24, 1991, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, he made his mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has represented India in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His journey from domestic cricket to international stardom is a testament to his dedication and skill.​

---

🏏 Career Highlights

• IPL Debut: 2016 with Mumbai Indians

• International Debut: ODI debut on March 23, 2021, against England; T20I debut on November 4, 2018, against West Indies

• IPL Teams: Mumbai Indians (2016–2021), Lucknow Super Giants (2022–2024), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2025–present)

• Playing Role: All-rounder (Left-handed batsman, Slow left-arm orthodox bowler

Note: Statistics are as of April 2025.

---

🏆 IPL Performance by Year

---

🏅 Notable Achievements

• Player of the Match in the 2017 IPL final for scoring 47 runs off 38 balls.

• Played a pivotal role in Mumbai Indians’ IPL title victories in 2017, 2019, and 2020.

• Consistent performer for Lucknow Super Giants, contributing significantly in both batting and bowling departments.

• Acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2025 IPL auction for INR 5.75 Crore

---

📈 Recent Performance (2024 IPL Season)

• Batting: Scored 133 runs in 14 matches with a highest score of 43*, maintaining an average of 33.25 and a strike rate of 126.67.

• Bowling: Took 6 wickets in 33 overs, with best bowling figures of 3/11 and an economy rate of 7.73.​

Personal Life

Krunal Pandya is a private individual, and although he is in the public eye, he tends to keep his personal life away from the media spotlight. He is married to Pankhuri Sharma, a model and entrepreneur, and the couple tied the knot in December 2017. Their relationship has been one of the most talked-about topics in the Indian cricketing fraternity, not just for their marriage but also for their support and encouragement towards each other.

Krunal is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. Despite his success on the cricket field, he has always maintained a low-key lifestyle and is often seen spending time with family and friends. His social media presence, especially on Instagram and Twitter, reveals his love for fitness, fashion, and travel. He often shares glimpses of his workouts, fitness routines, and vacations, which shows his personal side outside of cricket.

His relationship with his brother, Hardik Pandya, is also noteworthy. The Pandya brothers share a close bond both on and off the field, and their combined efforts have played a crucial role in bringing success to Indian cricket. They are often seen sharing moments of camaraderie, whether it’s in interviews or on social media platforms. Krunal has been an inspiration to Hardik, and they have supported each other through both the highs and lows of their cricketing careers.

In addition to his family life, Krunal has a deep love for fitness. He regularly posts videos of his gym workouts and has even launched his fitness platform to help others achieve their fitness goals. His discipline and focus on physical fitness have helped him maintain an excellent level of performance on the cricket field.

Krunal Pandya’s Love Story and Childhood

Krunal Pandya’s love story is as captivating as his rise to fame in the cricket world. He is married to Pankhuri Sharma, a model and entrepreneur, and their relationship has been a topic of interest for many fans and media outlets. The two got married in December 2017 after dating for a while. Krunal often shares glimpses of their life on social media, showing their strong bond and the support they provide each other. Their love story is one of companionship and mutual respect, with both partners encouraging each other in their personal and professional lives. Pankhuri, who is a successful entrepreneur, has been Krunal’s pillar of support, especially during the tough phases of his cricketing career.

As for Krunal’s childhood, he was raised in a middle-class family in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where his love for cricket began. Growing up alongside his younger brother, Hardik Pandya, Krunal’s childhood was marked by friendly competition and shared dreams of making it big in cricket. From playing street cricket to representing his school and local teams, Krunal’s early days were focused on improving his skills. His dedication to the sport was evident from an early age, even though he didn’t have the privileges of attending a formal cricket academy. Krunal’s childhood was not just about cricket; it was also about his close-knit family, who supported his dreams and worked hard to help him pursue a career in the sport he loved. The bond he shares with Hardik remains one of the most cherished aspects of his childhood, with both brothers being each other’s biggest supporters.

Detailed Bio Table

Family

Krunal Pandya comes from a strong family unit that has always supported his cricketing journey. His father, Himanshu Pandya, was a businessman, and his mother, Nalini Pandya, has been a pillar of strength for both Krunal and his younger brother, Hardik. His parents have always been supportive of their sons’ aspirations and have helped them navigate the ups and downs of their cricket careers.

Krunal’s younger brother, Hardik Pandya, has been a key figure in his life. Hardik is one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket and is known for his explosive batting and fast bowling. The bond between the two brothers is more than just that of sibling rivalry; they have been each other’s motivators and supporters. Hardik has often spoken about how Krunal played a crucial role in shaping his career, both on and off the field.

Krunal and Hardik share a mutual respect for each other’s cricketing abilities, and their combined efforts have earned them recognition both domestically and internationally. The two have shared their success in various interviews, and their parents have always expressed pride in their accomplishments.

Krunal is also known to share a close relationship with his extended family and frequently posts family pictures on his social media, showcasing the strong familial bond that supports his career. He is often seen celebrating important occasions like birthdays, festivals, and anniversaries with his family.

Social Media Accounts Table

Latest News

On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Krunal Pandya delivered a match-winning all-round performance to propel Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This victory marked RCB’s sixth consecutive away win, setting a new record for the franchise in the IPL .​

In the first innings, Krunal played a crucial role with the ball, helping restrict DC to 162/8. During RCB’s chase, he remained unbeaten on 73 runs off 47 balls, including five boundaries and four sixes, leading his team to victory . His performance earned him the Player of the Match award, and RCB now sits at the top of the IPL 2025 points table .​

Krunal’s leadership and experience have been instrumental in RCB’s success this season, and his recent performances continue to solidify his reputation as a key all-rounder in the IPL.

Physical Appearance and Height

Standing at 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches), Krunal Pandya has a commanding presence on the field. His athletic build complements his dynamic playing style, allowing him to perform effectively in both batting and bowling roles. With black hair and eyes, Krunal’s appearance reflects his strong and focused demeanor, characteristic of his approach to the game.

FAQs

• Does Krunal Pandya have a child?

  • As of now, Krunal Pandya does not have any children.

• Are Krunal and Hardik Pandya real brothers?

  • Yes, Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya are real brothers, both born to the same parents in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

• What did Hardik Pandya’s father do?

  • Hardik Pandya’s father, Himanshu Pandya, was a businessman who ran a car finance business. He played a significant role in supporting his sons’ cricket careers.

• Does Hardik Pandya have a child?

  • Yes, Hardik Pandya has a son named Agastya, born in 2022 with his partner Natasa Stankovic.