We often talk about who the often under celebrated and lesser recognised stars are as far Indian Cricket are. And to that end, perhaps we stop our count for whatever reason- and with much due respect-
to just the likes of Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar in the present conception and maybe focus only on Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara from the past. In here rests a question- do we rate and if we do, do we do so notably where it comes to Krunal Pandya, who’s now all set to lead the Indian camp in the Hong Kong Sixes, one of the most exciting and much-talked-about ICC recognised competitions?
🚨 KRUNAL PANDYA – CAPTAIN OF INDIA 🇮🇳
– Krunal Pandya will lead India in the Hong Kong sixes 2026. https://t.co/HObU80bIFu
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 17, 2026
Perhaps not, right? Now why that is the case isn’t quite known. But what is, however, is that lesser-talked-about Pandya’s numbers speak for the man. Do they not? Let’s take a look:
He played 16 matches in this edition of the Indian Premier League and was once again, effective with both bat and ball, picking not just 14 timely wickets that helped his much loved and widely famous Royal Challengers Bengaluru but also struck 226 runs. For a first change and often second change bowler, contributing runs in a batting order that already features powerful and glowing names such as Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Phil Salt isn’t always easy for it can often blanket the contributions you render for the headlines belong to more popular players. But then that is where effectiveness shines bright needing not hype but performance to make a case. Which also should rightly point to the 73 against Mumbai Indians, an innings that shone brightly for the RCB cause and what a fine effort that was by Krunal Pandya?
Just when Bhuvneshwar Kumar received a national call up, a pleasant development in the more recent hours, Krunal Pandya’s moment to lead India’s 7-member squad in the upcoming Hong Kong sixes appeared just in time.
And what else can one say apart from the fact that true to its surprise and pleasant vagaries of the game, at times, unexpected pieces of news too, give cricketers much recognition and shall we say, a new lease of life?
Because while Bhuvi, as he’s lovingly called, will truly appreciate the call up to the national side in the forthcoming contests against New Zealand, Krunal Pandya, the recently appointed Hong Kong sixes skipper to lead India will accept with glee the challenge to make a mark in a contest that’s both exciting and notable!
