Was fully confident that Mumbai Indians would use RTM for me: Krunal Pandya

Mumbai: Krunal Pandya created history at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 Player Auction on Saturday after he made Mumbai Indians pay a whopping Rs 8.8 crore for his services, making him the most expensive uncapped player in the history of the cash-rich league.

The Baroda all-rounder, who was allotted a base price of Rs 40 lakh, saw his price tag skyrocket after an intense bidding war broke out broke out between Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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But the Paltans had the last laugh, eventually snapping the 26-year-old via Right to Match (RTM) card. Krunal, who joined the Mukesh Ambani-owned franchise in 2014 was confident that the three-time IPL winners would definitely swoop in for him.

“I was fully confident that I would go to Mumbai Indians and they’ll use the Right to Match card for me. I was expecting a hefty price because the way I’ve performed in the last two seasons, I was expecting somewhat this amount. But I’m even happier to be a part of Mumbai Indians again. And also, playing with Hardik would be one more thing,“ Krunal was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

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MI also used their second RTM card to retain all-rounder Kieron Pollard and Krunal spoke about reuniting with the big West Indian and his brother Hardik.

“Me and Hardik have played together so that’s an added advantage for the team and for us as well. We have been playing together since childhood so we know each other’s game as well. At the same time we mostly bat between positions 4 and 6 and I know (Kieron) Pollard very well. So it’s good if the three of us are playing together,” he added.

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While young brother Hardik has currently established himself as a regular for India in all three formats, Krunal was certain that a national call-up would arrive for him at the right moment.  

“It doesn’t bother me but to be honest, when I first started playing cricket I wanted to represent the country. That is the ultimate goal for me but again, I don’t want to be a player who plays for just one or two games. Thus, even if it comes a bit late in my career, I don’t mind since the later it comes, the more mature cricketer I might be! I know that the dream will come very soon,” the Baroda cricketer explained.