The Indian Premier League is now at the business end of the season, and the picture of the teams qualifying for the playoffs is more or less clear. There have been some inspired performances, and few not so inspirational ones along the way.
However, like every season, there are few intriguing performances that have caught the eye. This season has been a mixed-bag for several players, among which are Hardik and Krunal Pandya, and Irfan and Yusuf Pathan.
Year for the other Pandya:
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For many reasons the previous year was a breakthrough season for younger brother Hardik Pandya. After sizzling for Mumbai Indians, Hardik played many match-winning knocks for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. He was rewarded with an Indian call-up, and although his performances were not earth shattering, they were stable and he kept his place for the World Twenty20. His crowning moment was the final over he bowled against Bangladesh in which he defended 2 runs off the final 3 balls. Much was expected off him in this season as he was now an International player.
Many eyebrows were raised when he walked out to bat at number 3 in the first match of the season, and in many ways, his struggle started. Hardik never looked comfortable during his stay, and in spite of this he was persisted with in several following games, and he failed in all of them. He was then pushed lower down the order, and was used as a finisher, but his pale patch was far from over.
In 10 matches, Hardik has only managed to score 37 runs at an appalling average of 6, and with a strike rate of 67. This is unbelievable in many ways, considering the raps he received from Ricky Ponting, and also after his international exposure.
With the ball, he has only underperformed. In 10 matches, he has picked up only 3 wickets and has given away 143 runs with an economy in excess of 9.
His struggles were so evident that he had to be benched, and Nitish Rana took his place in the side.
However, it is all bright and colourful for his elder brother, Krunal Pandya. He has not played any first-class matches, but he was snapped up by Mumbai Indians for 2 crores in this year's’ auction. Krunal bats left-handed is a slow left-arm bowler, and he has proved himself at the big stage.
His 37-ball 86 against Delhi Daredevils was an exhibition in power hitting, more so against the spinners. This was not a solitary instance of him adding impetus to the innings. He has been used as a floater and has not disappointed.
In the 11 matches, he has played so far, Krunal has scored 233 runs at an average of 46.60 and a strike of 192.56. These are fantastic numbers, considering he has not batted in any fixed position.
With the ball too, he has punched above his weight, and his fastish left-arm spin has been quite consistent. He is a wicket-to-wicket bowler, who relies more on variations of speed and length as he does not turn the ball much. Along with Harbhajan, Krunal has helped Mumbai Indians control the middle innings. He has picked up crucial wickets too along the way. He has picked up 6 wickets in 11 matches and has a more than acceptable economy rate of 7.13.
Without a doubt, this season has been a sterling one for the elder sibling, and now greater things will be expected of him.
Irfan, on the other hand, has been unlucky not to get in matches on a consistent basis, and has been sidelined for most of the season. It is quite surprising that Irfan has only played 2 matches in a side which is ravaged by injuries. An all-rounder Irfan could have been used on a more consistent basis, but this season has been a frustrating one for him. Factor this: Irfan has batted for 10 balls and has bowled all but one over.
The sight of him being shouted at by Dhoni mid-pitch in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders will be a poignant moment in all the negative ways.
Compare this to the elder brother, Yusuf Pathan, who was given a very long rope by Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous two seasons inspite of not performing according to expectations. This season a rejuvenated Yusuf has repaid all the faith in some style.
He has evoked memories of the inaugural season of the IPL, when playing for the Rajasthan Royals, he forced the cricketing world to sit up and take notice of his hitting abilities. He is a match-winner on his day, and this season he has once again proved why.
In 12 matches this season, Yusuf has plundered 271 runs at an imposing average of 90.33 and a strike rate of 157.55. He has won matches almost single handedly for his side, and has formed a potent and powerful combination with West Indian Andre Russell.
Perhaps, there is no comparing the two brothers this season.
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