Will do anything for the team, says Krunal Pandya after overcoming cramps in LSG's thrilling win over MI

By India Today Sports DeskLucknow Super Giants captain Krunal Pandya said he battled cramps in their thrilling win over Mumbai Indians in a crucial IP 2023 contest in Lucknow on Tuesday, May 14. Krunal revealed why he took the field and led the team in their defence of 177 despite retiring hurt in the 16th over of the Lucknow innings in the last-over thriller.

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Krunal Pandya limped off the field on a hot and humid evening at the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium when he was batting on 49 from 42 balls. While Krunal did not show signs of discomfort, he gave a series of instructions to the dugout before he slowly made his way up to the dressing room.

LSG vs MI, IPL 2023 Highlights

There were 4 overs left when Krunal, who had stitched an 82-run stand with Marcus Stoinis to steer LSG out of trouble after 3 early wickets, decided to retire hurt. Nicholas Pooran walked into bat with 4 overs left, prompting former and current cricketers to speculate whether it was a tactical call from LSG to retire Krunal.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar even went on to say that it was selfless from Krunal Pandya had it been a tactical move.

Krunal walked into bowl the first over of their defence but felt the pain because of the cramps as he went off the field again. However, the former Mumbai Indians all-rounder returned to the field to complete his quota of 4 overs. The left-arm spinner did a fine job with the ball, giving away just 27 runs.

“I was having cramps, I pulled a muscle. I have always been a team player, anything for the team, so happy with the result,” Krunal said.

Lucknow successfully defended 177, thanks to an all-round bowling effort that really came to life after Ravi Bishnoi broke the opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, which looked dangerous (90 in 9.4 overs).

Despite losing wickets in the middle, MI were in course to finish the chase as Tim David was in the big-hitting zone in the death overs.

With just 11 runs needed in the final over after a 19-run 19th over, the odds were favouring MI, who had David and Cameron Green in the middle.

However, left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan, who recovered after a long injury layoffs, delivered in style for LSG, conceding just 5 runs.

Krunal Pandya heaped praise on Mohsin, saying the left-arm pacer, who had taken 14 wickets in 9 games in his inaugural season in the IPL last year, has a big heart and is willing to do anything to help the team find success.

“Mohsin has a big heart. He had a surgery and playing IPL after such a thing, then sky is the limit. It has not been easy for us, really happy to end on a good note here,” he added.

LSG leapfrogged MI into the 3rd spot in the IPL 2023 points table. Lucknow will be assured of a place in the playoffs if they win their final match against KKR on Saturday, May 20.