Cricket: Krunal Pandya says that he doubted his abilities following the Brisbane howler

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(Photo Courtesy: Hindustan Times)

India all rounder Krunal Pandya delivered a brilliant spell (4/36) under pressure on Sunday to help India beat Australia by six wickets at the SCG and level the three-match T20I series at 1-1. However, it did not begin well for the all rounder who go smacked all around the park conceding 55 runs in the 1st T20 at Brisbane.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Pandya said, “It is very difficult when you play your first game in Australia and you get hammered for 53 from 4 overs. To come out of that was not easy. It took me a while to back myself much more, especially when you have hardly played any game at this level.”

“Giving away 50-plus runs in Brisbane was very tough for me and the next 24 hours were tough. I had to convince myself again. Whatever anyone says, it takes some time to set in. When I played the second game (in Melbourne), I was very clear with my plans what I have to do,” Pandya said.

“When you come back like this, it is very satisfying. You had such a bad day and then against the same opponent you do well, it gives satisfaction, happiness and a surety that you belong to this level. You haven’t played at this level and then you perform like this it gives you hope that you can play at this level,” he added.

Krunal then stated that it was important to keep one’s calmness to succeed in the game especially in this shorter format.

“I was happy to overcome that because when you overcome such hurdles you are able to do well. Those were two drastic results for me. As a bowler, you have to understand this is T20 format, and it is part and parcel of the game. One day you will get hit and one day you will get wickets.”

The left-arm spinner said the T20 series was a competitive one and had it not been for the washed out game in Melbourne, India could have won the series.

“We came here to win the series. The first game was very close. The second game was washed out, otherwise we could have won as 140 on that wicket was not that tough. It shows the team’s character because this match was very important and it was important to level the series here. This team is known for its character. When the chips are down you give your 100 percent,” he said.

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