The Pandya brothers are set to become the latest addition to the list of siblings who represented the national team together. Krunal Pandya, the elder of the two was picked in the Indian T20I squad for the series against Windies at home and for the tour of Australia as well. On the other hand, Hardik will be missing both the series owing to his back injury and still need some time to recover and make a comeback.
Krunal said things haven’t changed for Hardik, as the latter use to colors his hair even when he was 10 years old. He also emphasized that in this world it was extremely important for one to maintain their identity.
As quoted in Hindustan Times, the elder Pandya said, “Hardik has been like this since childhood. There is nothing new that has happened to him after playing for India or for Mumbai Indians. I still remember my mother used to shout at him. He colored his hair at the age of 10. So what Hardik is now is exactly what he was a child. It’s important to be yourself. Whatever he does, wears or colors his hair, that is all after once he is finished with cricket. That’s his personal life, his personal space. What I know is no one will come between him and cricket, whether it’s his fashion or his family.”
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The all-rounder also reckons that for someone to perform at their best it is important that they don’t alter their character. Krunal also said they are from two different departments and there’s no scope for comparison or competition.
Krunal said, “I have never told Hardik to change himself. If you want to do well, you have to be yourself. Then only can you give 100%. That’s what he is doing. As long as it is not affecting his cricket and not harming anyone, then I think we should leave him at it. He is a fast bowling all-rounder. I’m a spin bowling all-rounder. These are two completely separate departments.”
The southpaw also shared an insight into the time when he got the news of his national call-up. Hardik who is recovering from a back injury he sustained during the Asia Cup was also at home and the news arrived pretty late in the night. The younger brother was overjoyed and relived on hearing that his sibling has been selected.
Describing the same, Krunal said, “Hardik was going to bed because he had to get up early. I got the (selection) news late, around 10:30 pm, and he said ‘Now I’m not feeling sleepy because I’m so excited you are part of the Indian team again. So, that’s the bond we have. We have never seen each other as a competitor.”
