Baroda vs Mumbai: RCB All-Rounder Krunal Pandya Disappoints in SMAT Semi-Final

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Read Original Content: Baroda vs Mumbai: RCB All-Rounder Krunal Pandya Disappoints in SMAT Semi-Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya had a forgettable outing in the first semi-final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024. Playing for Baroda against Mumbai, Krunal started well but couldn’t build on his innings. He scored 30 runs off 24 balls before being dismissed by Suryansh Shedge on a routine delivery.

Batting first on a good surface at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Baroda lost Abhimanyusingh Rajput early. Krunal walked in at number 3 and began positively, hitting a couple of boundaries. However, he struggled to maintain momentum and fell to a loose shot. Shedge bowled a length delivery outside the off-stump, and Krunal edged it to the keeper while playing away from his body.

Krunal’s younger brother, Hardik Pandya, also failed to contribute. The Baroda captain was bowled for just 5 runs off 6 balls, leaving the team in trouble.

RCB’s Investment in Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya was picked by RCB for INR 5.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction after being released by the Lucknow Super Giants. The franchise needed a versatile all-rounder who could deliver with both bat and ball. Krunal seemed to fit the role perfectly with his ability to bowl tight overs in the middle phase and contribute quick runs down the order.

While Krunal has shown his potential in SMAT 2024 with some good performances, the semi-final wasn’t his day. The team management at RCB will still have high hopes for him as they gear up for the upcoming IPL season.

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