Sunil Gavaskar impressed with Krunal Pandya’s game awareness after Lucknow’s crucial win against Mumbai Indians

In a thrilling last-over encounter in Lucknow, Lucknow Super Giants emerged victorious against Mumbai Indians, intensifying their chances of securing a playoff spot. The dynamic duo of Marcus Stoinis and Mohsin Khan shone for the Lucknow-based franchise, drawing praise from former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar lauded LSG captain Krunal Pandya for his exceptional leadership skills following the team’s triumph.

LSG faced a significant setback when their influential captain, KL Rahul, was sidelined due to an unfortunate injury during the ongoing IPL 2023. However, Krunal Pandya, Rahul’s deputy, admirably assumed the leadership role in his absence. Displaying astute game reading skills akin to his brother Hardik Pandya, Krunal played a pivotal role in guiding his team to victory over his former franchise.

Sunil Gavaskar, an iconic figure of Indian cricket, commended Krunal’s leadership qualities and his ability to assess the game situation. Gavaskar highlighted Krunal’s strategic decisions, particularly his unwavering support for Mohsin Khan, which proved decisive in the match. Despite leaking runs initially in the second innings, Khan successfully defended 11 runs in the final over.

“Whatever I have seen of Krunal Pandya, he is a terrific reader of the game. Before he was the captain, he used to play for Mumbai Indians, even there his reading of the game, of the situation is great. He bowls a different sort of line depending on the batters’ strength, so that is all about being aware and also about the fact that he reads the opponents well, he reads his own game well,” Gavaskar praised during an interview on Star Sports.

Krunal’s all-around abilities were on full display in the crucial encounter against the five-time champions. In the first innings, he forged a crucial partnership with Marcus Stoinis after a flurry of wickets, providing valuable runs. Additionally, he made significant contributions with the ball, effectively restricting the flow of runs during the second innings.

With this victory, Lucknow Super Giants find themselves in a prime position to secure a playoff berth for the second consecutive season. As Marcus Stoinis regains his form at the right moment for LSG, the return of Mohsin Khan to the starting eleven has revitalized the bowling unit, boosting the team’s morale and aspirations for a successful campaign.