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Krunal Pandya made the day of a lot of fans by signing autographs and taking selfies in Nasik on Friday.
Krunal Pandya. (Representative picture, Credit: Sportzpics)
Baroda skipper Krunal Pandya was seen signing autographs for the public through a metal screen during his side’s Ranji Trophy 2025 match against Maharashtra in Nasik on Friday. A video of the moment has now gone viral.
Krunal was surrounded by a handful of supporters present at the venue, trying to catch a glimpse of the Indian all-rounder. The 33-year-old happily obliged for selfies and autograph requests.
Watch the video here:
Krunal, who has featured for India in five ODIs and 19 T20Is, claimed the wicket of Maharashtra’s Ramakrishna Ghosh on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy match.
Atit Sheth claimed six wickets to earn an upper hand for Baroda in the first innings which Maharashtra ended at 297. Wicketkeeper Saurabh Nawale emerged as the highest scorer for his side with a fine knock of 83 off 152 deliveries. Siddhesh Veer also contributed significantly with 48 runs off 88 balls.
However, by the end of Day 2, Baroda were in a difficult position. They first got out for just 145 in 33.1 overs. Pandya could score only 12 (22).
Maharashtra lost openers Pavan Shah and Murtaza Trunkwala cheaply to Lukman Meriwala but Sidhesh Veer and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad persisted, scoring 37 (83) and 66 (54) in their unbeaten stand of 98 runs.
At the end of the day, Maharashtra led by 275 runs and looked in firm control of the proceedings. This has been one of the rare difficult matches for Pandya and Baroda. Before it, they were at the top of the Elite A standings in the Ranji Trophy.
Pandya’s leadership abilities have been credited for their consistency across formats. Under him, Baroda recently reached the knockout stages at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy.
In the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Krunal Pandya will be seen donning the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) jersey. RCB shelled out Rs 5.75 crore to acquire his services.
RCB also have a leadership vacuum after letting go of Faf du Plessis ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. Virat Kohli is said to be ready to return to the helm but Pandya could be among his leadership group.