They have been the toast of the Mumbai Indians campaign this year. They have been partners in crime complementing each other at every level of the competition. One scores, the other cheers.One bowls, the other catches.The Pandya brothers have made telling contributions in the 10th edition of the IPL. More so elder brother Krunal, who has been Mumbai Indians’ utility player with his crafty left-armers and meaningful middle-order contributions. If Krunal set the tone, there would be occasions when Hardik would play the finishing

Krunal was adjudged the Man of the Match in the VIVO IPL 2017 Final for a vital 47, and brother Hardik couldn’t help but be proud of his elder brother for clinching his maiden IPL title. “I am just proud of him. He has delivered champion performances time and again in this tournament and I am just glad to be sharing this moment with my brother,” Hardik said, speaking to iplt20.com. “He has worked very hard for this moment and has put in the hard yards over the last couple of years. Now he is here and he truly deserves it. Champion stuff.”

Krunal shared similar emotions and couldn’t thank his brother enough for all the support he had given him throughout the season. “I give Hardik a lot of credit for my success,” Krunal said. “Also, our parents have always supported us till date irrespective of our performances and results. We would also like to thank our coach back home who has helped us day in and day out. Credit to the entire Mumbai Indians support staff and team management who have made us feel like family. Special mention for Kiran More sir, whose academy we have been playing for since childhood.”

The duo also credited the team for putting up a telling performance in the thrilling last over finale. “Just one word comes to my mind – Amazing,” exclaimed Hardik. “The way the boys pulled off this victory was absolutely brilliant. Rising Pune Supergiant had the game in their hands, but still our boys stuck to the task and sealed it.”

For Krunal, this was a moment to cherish and one that will remain etched in his memory for a long time. “It is a dream come true for me. To play an IPL final and contribute to a winning cause is a proud feeling. A big game, on a big night and to end up lifting the trophy is a huge moment for me.”

The Pandya brothers reserved a special mention for their coach back home – Jitendra Singh, for the position they were in their careers at the moment. Hardik, in particular, was full of praise as he said, “Coach, we are here because of you. You are the real champion. Because of you, we are standing here. I have two IPL trophies and Krunal has one now. Thank you for everything.”