New Delhi: India cricket team's out-of-favour senior all-rounder Krunal Pandya has decided to participate in England's Royal London Cup One-Day-International Championship to return to form, PTI reported. He will play for English county side Warwickshire. The tournament will be played from August 2 to 23. Krunal has decided to follow in the footsteps of Washington Sundar, who has also decided to play county cricket to get back in form. He has signed with Lancashire for the tournament.
Krunal, Hardik Pandya's elder brother, has played five ODIs and 19 T20 matches for the national team so far. He has scored 2231 runs and bagged 89 wickets in 76 List A matches.
"Krunal is an incredible signing for the club, and I’m delighted to welcome him to Edgbaston. Krunal will bring a wealth of international experience to a team that will be desperate to do well," Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace was quoted as saying in a media statement.
Farbrace termed Krunal as a "world renowned all-rounder".
"Due to our impressive T20 performances, we will lose players to The Hundred, but that's always going to happen to successful teams. The opportunity to add a world-renowned all-rounder to an exciting group is fantastic," added Farbrace.
Krunal, who has won multiple IPL trophies with Mumbai Indians, played for Lucknow Super Giants, during last edition.
On his part, Krunal said,"I'm extremely excited to get the opportunity to play county cricket and to join such a history Club as Warwickshire."
"Edgbaston is a special place to play cricket and I can't wait to call it my home. I hope I can play my part in a successful 50-over campaign with the Club and I am looking forward to meeting my team mates." "I would like to extend my gratitude to both Warwickshire County cricket club and the BCCI for this opportunity," added Krunal.
Warwickshire will play eight group-stage matches in the Royal London Cup competition. Of these, four will be at home ground in Edgbaston. The top three teams at the end of the group stage will advance to the knockouts.