With below-par performances in Lucknow Super Giants' opening two games of IPL 2023, Krunal Pandya found himself in the line of fire.
Though the all-rounder had some good performances with the ball in last year's edition, Krunal had a terrible run with the bat.
In fact, when he got out for 9 in LSG's second game vs CSK this year, the 32-year-old made an unwanted streak. Krunal had just 1 score of over 25 in his last 20 IPL innings.
A few experts and fans even suggested to replace the all-rounder in the playing XI, but the LSG management had full faith in him.
And Krunal justified his long rope in the game vs the Sunrisers Hyderabad and stole the show with an all-round masterclass.
He bamboozled SRH's top order and claimed the first 3 wickets to push Hyderabad against the wall early on.
Krunal then stood out with the bat as well. His 23-ball-34 at the number 4 spot sealed the game in LSG's favour.
Suddenly, the team from Lucknow which looked desperate for a spin all-rounder despite a good start to the tournament lookes even more settled.
The man from Baroda has clearly found his mojo back which now makes LSG a greater threat to the other 9 teams in the competition.
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