Krunal Pandya

Who is Krunal Pandya?

Krunal Himanshu Pandya is an Indian cricketer renowned for his all-round abilities in limited-overs formats. Born on March 24, 1991, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, he is the elder brother of fellow cricketer Hardik Pandya. Krunal plays as a left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler. He has represented India in both T20Is and ODIs and has been a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for teams like Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, and currently, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Family

Krunal Pandya was born into a family that has always supported his cricketing ambitions. His father, Himanshu Pandya, was a businessman, and his mother, Nalini Pandya, has been a source of constant support and motivation for him. Krunal shares a deep bond with his younger brother, Hardik Pandya, who is also a prominent cricketer. The two brothers are often seen together in social media posts and are known for their camaraderie on and off the field.

The Pandya family has always been close-knit, with their parents being the pillars of strength for both Krunal and Hardik. Himanshu, despite his business ventures, was dedicated to nurturing his sons’ cricketing aspirations, even when it meant sacrificing their financial stability. This familial bond has been crucial in shaping both Krunal and Hardik into the cricketers they are today.

Krunal is married to Pankhuri Sharma, whom he married on December 27, 2017. The couple has two children: their first son, Kavir Krunal Pandya, born on July 18, 2022, and their second son, Vayu Krunal Pandya, born on April 21, 2024. Krunal often shares pictures of his family on social media, and it’s clear that his family plays an integral role in his personal and professional life.

Krunal Pandya’s Love Story

Krunal Pandya’s love story with his wife, Pankhuri Sharma, is one of the most heartwarming aspects of his personal life. The two first met through mutual friends, and their connection grew stronger over time. Krunal and Pankhuri’s relationship blossomed during the time when he was making a name for himself in the cricket world. Pankhuri, who is from a family involved in academics, initially had a career in education, but she later found a place in the limelight as Krunal’s partner. Despite the intense public attention, Krunal and Pankhuri kept their relationship low-key and private, focusing on their bond rather than media scrutiny. Their love story culminated in a beautiful wedding on December 27, 2017, which was attended by close friends and family members. Krunal often shares glimpses of their life together on social media, expressing his deep love and admiration for Pankhuri. The couple’s strong relationship is a testament to their mutual respect and affection.

Childhood

Krunal Pandya’s childhood was deeply influenced by his passion for cricket. Growing up in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Krunal and his younger brother, Hardik Pandya, were raised in a middle-class family. The Pandya brothers were very close and spent much of their childhood playing cricket together, either in their backyard or at local cricket grounds. Their father, Himanshu Pandya, played a vital role in their early exposure to the sport and was their first coach, nurturing their skills and guiding them through the challenges of pursuing a professional career in cricket.

From a young age, Krunal demonstrated immense talent, excelling both as a bowler and a batsman. However, his journey was not without its struggles. Despite being talented, the family faced financial constraints, and Krunal and Hardik had to make do with limited resources. Their father’s unwavering belief in their potential kept them motivated to chase their dreams. Krunal’s childhood was filled with hard work, discipline, and a passion for cricket, which ultimately led him to leave formal schooling to focus entirely on the sport. His early years laid the foundation for the successful career he would later build in domestic cricket, the IPL, and international cricket.

Early Life and Education

Krunal Pandya was born on March 24, 1991, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, into a middle-class family. Growing up, Krunal was always inclined toward sports, and cricket was his first love. He was introduced to the game by his father, Himanshu Pandya, who played a crucial role in shaping his career. His younger brother, Hardik Pandya, who is also a well-known cricketer, shares the same passion for the sport, and the two brothers developed a strong competitive spirit from a young age.

Krunal’s early education took place in Ahmedabad, where he attended the MK High School. However, his passion for cricket led him to make a pivotal decision — he dropped out of school to pursue a career in professional cricket. His decision was supported by his family, who believed in his talent and potential. Krunal started his cricket journey at the local level, playing for the Kiran More Academy, where he honed his skills. He eventually moved on to represent Gujarat in domestic cricket, where his performance caught the attention of the national selectors.

Despite not having a formal educational background in terms of higher studies, Krunal’s cricketing achievements are a testament to his dedication and focus on his craft. He credits his father for encouraging him to follow his dreams and not give up despite the challenges he faced early in his career. This commitment to his passion laid the foundation for his future success in cricket.

Personal Life

Krunal Pandya’s personal life has been marked by strong relationships with both his family and friends. He is known to be a humble and grounded individual, despite the fame and success he has achieved. Krunal’s relationship with his younger brother, Hardik, is one of the most talked-about aspects of his personal life. The brothers, who are often seen playing cricket together or engaging in friendly banter on social media, share a close bond that has remained unbroken despite the pressures of professional cricket.

Apart from his love for cricket, Krunal is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys staying in shape. He frequently shares his workout routines and fitness tips with his followers on social media. His commitment to physical fitness is reflected in his performance on the field, where his all-round abilities make him a valuable asset to any team.

Krunal is also actively involved in charitable activities, often contributing to causes that support underprivileged children and provide them with opportunities to pursue sports. His philanthropic efforts reflect his desire to give back to society and help others achieve their dreams, just as he did.

Detailed Bio Table

Social Media Accounts Table

Physical Appearance

Krunal Pandya stands at 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) and maintains a fit physique, which complements his dynamic role as an all-rounder. He has black hair and eyes, often sporting a well-groomed beard. His appearance reflects his active lifestyle and commitment to fitness, both on and off the field.​

Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Krunal Pandya’s estimated net worth is ₹90 crore (approximately $10.8 million). His income sources include IPL contracts, BCCI match fees, brand endorsements, and investments. In the IPL 2025 season, he was acquired by RCB for ₹5.75 crore, adding to his total IPL earnings of ₹55.7 crore. He also has endorsement deals with brands like Dream11, HalaPlay, and Timestone. Additionally, Krunal has invested in ventures such as Pandya Store and Krunal Pandya Sports & Fitness Pvt. Ltd., further enhancing his financial portfolio .​​

Krunal Pandya’s journey from domestic cricket to international stardom is a testament to his dedication and skill. With his all-round capabilities and leadership qualities, he continues to be a valuable asset to Indian cricket and the IPL. His story inspires many aspiring cricketers to pursue their dreams with determination and passion.

FAQS

• Who is older between Hardik and Krunal Pandya?

  • Krunal Pandya is the older brother. He was born on March 24, 1991, while Hardik was born on October 11, 1993.

• Which cricketer is in Pushpa 2?

  • The cricketer featured in the movie Pushpa 2 is Hardik Pandya, who makes a cameo appearance.

• Who is better, Hardik or Krunal?

  • Both have their strengths, but Hardik Pandya is generally considered the more dynamic player, known for his explosive batting and bowling skills. Krunal Pandya is regarded as a consistent all-rounder with a strong temperament and versatility.

• Does Krunal Pandya have a child?

  • Yes, Krunal Pandya has a son, born to him and his wife, Pankhuri Sharma.