IPL 2023: I'm very process-driven, don't think about results, says Krunal

Sometimes, it is better to take a step back, reflect, refocus, and find that passion and that hunger again. Krunal Pandya had been going through a bit of a rough patch, so to speak, and decided to take a break from action and go back to the basics.

And that seemed to have done the left-arm spinner a world of good and that was in evidence in the IPL on Friday.

The 32-year-old came up with an all-round show to help the Lucknow Super Giants to a second win in three matches and to the top of the table.

Pandya took 3-18 and then scored 34 as Lucknow cruised to a five-wicket win with 24 balls to spare against Sunrisers Hyderdabad in Lucknow.

"Very good day at the office I can say," Pandya said at the post-match presentation.

When asked what he enjoyed more, bowling or batting, Pandya replied: "Both."

"Runs, wickets — everything is hard-earned. Everything is special," he added.

Pandya said that the break helped him refresh and reboot.

"This year I'm in a good headspace. Once you have clarity up there, things fall in places. I'm very process-driven, don't think about results. I took a break from cricket for a few months because I was just playing the white-ball formats, so wanted some time off to work on my bowling. What happened last two-three years was I kept getting wider and wider. Whatever I did in the last three-four months — getting taller and getting the ball to turn away, it is all coming out really well.

"People say I don't turn the ball, so that answers it I guess (Aiden Markram's wicket). I'm trying to recollect how I played in the first four-five years in IPL where I was batting at four for MI (Mumbai Indians). Trying to find that rhythm and consistency. Having the clarity helps. I want to dedicate this to my wife. She has been a constant support, she is who brings out the best version of myself," said Pandya.

• IPL 2023: 'CSK difficult team to beat on any ground', Kaif says