Krunal Pandya did not have an entirely auspicious start to the series in Australia. The left-arm spinner received quite a bashing in the first match at Brisbane and there were talks of him being benched in favour of Yuzvendra Chahal.
However, the young all-rounder gave a great account of his temperament in Melbourne and then again in the third match at the SCG. He picked up 4 wickets, broke the back of the Aussie batting and walked away with the man of the match award.
'It took me a while to back myself'
"It is very difficult when you play your first game in Australia and you get hammered for 53 from 4 overs. To come out of that was not easy. It took me a while to back myself much more, especially when you have hardly played any game at this level," Krunal said at the post-match press conference.
The all-rounder conceded the fact that after the bashing in Brisbane, the next 24 hours were very tough. However, he stuck to his strengths and worked out a plan.
"When you come back like this, it is very satisfying. You had such a bad day and then against the same opponent you do well, it gives satisfaction, happiness and a surety that you belong to this level. You haven't played at this level and then you perform like this it gives you hope that you can play at this level," he further added.
India were thwarted by rain in the second match at Melbourne, and Pandya believed that they could have won the series in Sydney. He also praised the quality of the team and how they rallied back after the close defeat in Brisbane.
It shows the team's character because this match was very important and it was important to level the series here. This team is known for its character. When the chips are down you give your 100 per cent," he observed.
