Krunal Pandya: LSG vs MI: IPL 2023: Lucknow Super Giants’ skipper Krunal Pandya made an unusual decision during the IPL 2023 match against the Mumbai Indians on Tuesday. Pandya, who was just 1 short of a well-deserved fifty, got retired hurt due to a leg injury. However, the all-rounder’s move raised a few eyebrows as he was later seen giving instructions to his team while comfortably climbing the stairs. Follow IPL 2023 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
The incident happened in the 16th over of LSG’s innings. Krunal was hit on his leg while attempting a quick single. Although he didn’t seem to be in severe pain, he walked off the field which resulted in the arrival of Nicholas Pooran at the crease. Despite limping slightly, he was seen climbing the stairs and later came to bowl.
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who was commentating during the match, hinted that it might have been a tactical decision by the Super Giants. Krunal was batting on 49 runs off 42 balls at the time and LSG needed quick runs.
Indian and Rajasthan Royals off-spinner R Ashwin also raised doubt and took to social media to question whether Krunal was retired out or not.
Notably, Ashwin was the first-ever player in IPL to walk back to the pavilion without getting out. The spinner got retired out against Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium last year.
While Krunal missed out on a half-century, his knock was crucial as he along with Marcus Stoinis (89*) helped LSG recover after the side was jolted with 3 quick wickets. LSG was 35/3 in 6.1 overs when Krunal joined Stoinis. The duo then stitched a brilliant 82-run partnership and helped the home side to post a competitive 177 onboard on a slow Ekana pitch.
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