Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya has lauded teammate Virat Kohli for his intensity and preparation, saying the star batter’s constant hunger to improve continues to inspire those around him.
Speaking on JioStar, Krunal reflected on sharing the dressing room with Kohli once more and emphasised the former India captain’s unwavering dedication to the game.
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“I have learned a lot just by watching Virat Kohli, the way he prepares for a tournament and the intensity he brings to every practice session. I have played with him for India when he was captain, and I have also played against him. Now, I am lucky to share the same dressing room with him again,” Krunal said.
The
35-year-old all-rounder noted that Kohli’s drive and passion remain undiminished despite his long stint at the highest level.
“What I have realised is that his hunger is still unbelievable. Those eyes don’t lie. The same intensity in every net session, the same hunger to improve. That is what makes him Virat. I believe if he had played in any era, he would still be one of the greatest. And I feel there is still a lot left in Virat to give to the game,” he added.
Krunal also spoke about his desire to return to the Indian team, stressing that representing the country is still his biggest dream.
He said that although winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) title and contributing consistently in the tournament have been fulfilling, wearing the India jersey again remains his ultimate aim.
The all-rounder last played for India in 2021. In international cricket, the 35-year-old has featured in five ODIs, scoring 130 runs and taking two wickets, and in 19 T20Is, he has scored 124 runs and claimed 15 wickets.
“Winning the IPL trophy and performing well in the tournament has been a great feeling. But every cricketer has a dream. Since childhood, my dream has always been to represent the country. That hasn’t changed. Playing for India is the biggest blessing, honour, and achievement for me and donning the Blue Jersey once again is a dream, and it’s still alive,” he said.
“I want to keep doing what I am doing and earn that privilege again. I am keeping my fingers crossed for that,” he added.
On Sunday, RCB defeated the Mumbai Indians by two wickets in a last-ball thriller. Krunal played a match-winning knock of 73 off 46 balls, guiding his side to victory.
Chasing 167, RCB were struggling at 39/3 in 5.1 overs. Krunal steadied the innings with a crucial 55-run partnership with Jacob Bethell (27) and a 37-run stand with Jitesh Sharma (18), taking RCB close to the target before he was dismissed in the 18th over after striking two sixes off Allah Ghazanfar.
Krunal’s innings stood out as he battled cramps yet remained composed and delivered when it mattered most.
