When Krunal Pandya opted to head back to the pavilion, he was batting on 49 off 42 balls. There was some misunderstanding as to whether the LSG skipper was injured or retired. He has finally explained his choice.
Many fans were perplexed by Lucknow Super Giants skipper Krunal Pandya’s choice to’reitre injured’ on 49 during the Indian Premier League 2023 match against Mumbai Indians. Following Krunal’s return to the field to bowl for LSG, accusations were levelled that the all-rounder was ‘faking his injury’ to allow Nicholas Pooran to bat. As the controversy surrounding the event raged on, even India and Rajasthan Royals all-rounder R Ashwin stated that Krunal was within his rights to do so. Even Krunal justified his reasoning after the game was over.
The LSG captain, who took over the captaincy mid-season when primary captain KL Rahul was declared out for the rest of the season, said that he strained a muscle and found it tough to continue.
“I had cramps and pulled a muscle.” “I’ve always been a team player, anything for the team, so I’m very happy with the outcome,” the experienced all-rounder explained.
Krunal also praised bowler Mohsin Khan, who was just playing his second game of the season. “Mohsin has a big heart.” He had surgery, and if he can play in the IPL after that, the sky is the limit. It has not been easy for us; we are relieved to conclude on a positive note here. “It feels good to give them a win in this final game at this venue,” Krunal remarked during the post-game presentation ceremony.
Krunal opted to return to the pavilion before the first delivery of the 17th over was delivered. Batting on 49 off 42 balls, the LSG captain gave the hard-hitter Pooran company in the middle.
Some fans pondered if Krunal’s choice was based on the fact that he wasn’t able to quicken the run-rate the manner he wanted to, ergo opted to ‘fake injury’.
Pooran, who took his position in the middle, scored just 8 runs off 8 balls, while Stoinis maintained his attack with the bat, hitting 89 runs off 47 balls.
Krunal was effective with the ball, allowing only 27 runs in four overs while failing to take a wicket.
In the match, LSG won by 5 runs as Mohsin Khan conceded just 5 runs, while Mumbai Indians required 11 to win.
