Baroda’s Stellar Season Under Krunal’s Leadership
Krunal Pandya, 33, has emerged as a standout leader for Baroda in the 2024-25 domestic cricket season. With exceptional performances both as captain and all-rounder, Krunal has guided Baroda to the knockouts in all three major tournaments—Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Ranji Trophy.
Under Krunal’s leadership, Baroda showcased remarkable consistency. They reached the semi-finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where they lost to eventual champions Mumbai, led by Shreyas Iyer. During the tournament, Baroda made history by recording the highest-ever T20 team total—349 for 5 against Sikkim. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Baroda advanced to the quarter-finals but fell short against Karnataka, captained by Mayank Agarwal. Krunal personally contributed significantly with 256 runs and 11 wickets in the 50-over competition.
In the ongoing Ranji Trophy, Baroda has already secured a knockout spot, topping Elite Group A with 27 points from five matches. As the team prepares for their upcoming clash against Maharashtra, Krunal reflected on Baroda’s journey, his leadership, and the inspiration he draws from his younger brother, Hardik Pandya.
“Aiming to Revive Baroda’s Glory Days”
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Krunal shared his satisfaction with the team’s progress this season. “It’s a proud moment to see Baroda making it to the knockouts in all three formats—a historic feat for us. We are a team in transition, but the results reflect our steady progress. My goal is to bring back the glory days of Baroda cricket, and I’m confident we are on the right path,” he said.
Krunal credited the team’s improvement to a collective effort that began after a disappointing Ranji Trophy campaign last year. “We promised ourselves a fresh start this season, and the results across formats show that our process is working. This is just the beginning as we look to rebuild and strengthen Baroda’s cricketing legacy,” he added.
“Hardik is an Inspiration”
When asked about his younger brother Hardik Pandya’s resilience, Krunal was full of praise. “Hardik has shown immense mental strength and maturity over the years. Every setback has only made him come back stronger. Watching him lead India to victory in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa was incredible. He’s not just my brother but also an inspiration to young cricketers everywhere. His journey is a testament to self-belief and discipline,” Krunal remarked.
Hardik had faced significant challenges during IPL 2024, including being booed by fans at the Wankhede Stadium. However, he silenced critics with a match-winning performance in the T20 World Cup final, cementing his status as a match-winner.
The Role of Leadership in Krunal’s Success
Reflecting on his captaincy, Krunal emphasized the importance of communication and fostering a team-first mindset. “Being a leader has helped me understand my game and the dynamics of the team better. I believe in instinctive decision-making and open communication. Winning as a team always takes precedence over individual achievements,” he explained.
Krunal also spoke about his passion for the game, which occasionally manifests as aggression. “I’m deeply passionate about cricket, and that passion sometimes comes out as aggression. But it’s always directed toward achieving the best for the team,” he added.
Eyes on the Ranji Trophy Title
With Baroda’s place in the Ranji Trophy knockouts already secured, Krunal emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in their upcoming matches against Maharashtra and Jammu & Kashmir. “Even though we’ve made it to the knockouts, these matches are critical for us to fine-tune our game in the longer format. Our goal is to win the Ranji Trophy and make history for Baroda,” Krunal concluded.
As Baroda continues its remarkable season, Krunal Pandya’s leadership and all-round performances remain central to their resurgence, with the team poised to achieve even greater success in the future.
