IPL 2016: A contrasting seasons for the Pandya, Pathan brothers
The Indian Premier League is now at the business end of the season, and the picture of the teams qualifying for the playoffs is more or less clear. There have been some inspired performances, and few not so inspirational ones along the way.
However, like every season, there are few intriguing performances that have caught the eye. This season has been a mixed-bag for several players, among which are Hardik and Krunal Pandya, and Irfan and Yusuf Pathan.
Year for the other Pandya:
For many reasons the previous year was a breakthrough season for younger brother Hardik Pandya. After sizzling for Mumbai Indians, Hardik played many match-winning knocks for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. He was rewarded with an Indian call-up, and although his performances were not earth shattering, they were stable and he kept his place for the World Twenty20. His crowning moment was the final over he bowled against Bangladesh in which he defended 2 runs off the final 3 balls. Much was expected off him in this season as he was now an International player.
Many eyebrows were raised when he walked out to bat at number 3 in the first match of the season, and in many ways, his struggle started. Hardik never looked comfortable during his stay, and in spite of this he was persisted with in several following games, and he failed in all of them. He was then pushed lower down the order, and was used as a finisher, but his pale patch was far from over.
In 10 matches, Hardik has only managed to score 37 runs at an appalling average of 6, and with a strike rate of 67. This is unbelievable in many ways, considering the raps he received from Ricky Ponting, and also after his international exposure.
With the ball, he has only underperformed. In 10 matches, he has picked up only 3 wickets and has given away 143 runs with an economy in excess of 9.
His struggles were so evident that he had to be benched, and Nitish Rana took his place in the side.
However, it is all bright and colourful for his elder brother, Krunal Pandya. He has not played any first-class matches, but he was snapped up by Mumbai Indians for 2 crores in this year's’ auction. Krunal bats left-handed is a slow left-arm bowler, and he has proved himself at the big stage.
His 37-ball 86 against Delhi Daredevils was an exhibition in power hitting, more so against the spinners. This was not a solitary instance of him adding impetus to the innings. He has been used as a floater and has not disappointed.
In the 11 matches, he has played so far, Krunal has scored 233 runs at an average of 46.60 and a strike of 192.56. These are fantastic numbers, considering he has not batted in any fixed position.
With the ball too, he has punched above his weight, and his fastish left-arm spin has been quite consistent. He is a wicket-to-wicket bowler, who relies more on variations of speed and length as he does not turn the ball much. Along with Harbhajan, Krunal has helped Mumbai Indians control the middle innings. He has picked up crucial wickets too along the way. He has picked up 6 wickets in 11 matches and has a more than acceptable economy rate of 7.13.
Without a doubt, this season has been a sterling one for the elder sibling, and now greater things will be expected of him.