It is customary to find some news about a player once he reaches his first landmark in the game. For West Indian batsman, Krishmar Pandey, reaching his inaugural milestone meant playing his first T20 International on 19th June 2017 against South Africa. Pandey played his second game two days later against England and then again four days later against New Zealand.
However, that was not all; he also became the first wicket-taker in a T20I as well. Krishmar Pandey made his ODI debut for West Indies against Afghanistan in October 2015 at Sheikh Nawaz Stadium in Lahore. He came into bat at No 4 and lasted until the end of play when his team lost by 22 runs and he never played another international match after that.
But, things changed for him in T20Is when he got chance to grab a Wicket-keeper’s gloves for the first time. In fact, it was one of the most memorable moments of his life because playing under lights was something new to him and it was exciting to be part of this new phase of international cricket.
How Was He Selected?
Pandey was picked for the West Indies T20 team by an “international selectors”, who themselves had no idea about his talent. When an opportunity came, he grabbed it and showed what he was capable of. Pandey was picked for West Indies team because he had the eligibility to play international cricket without the five-year residency rule. He had a huge fan following in his native country and there were many cricket fans who had seen him play in the domestic circuit.
Pandey was also included in West Indies’ T20 squad for the World Twenty20 Qualifiers in Malaysia. Despite being part of the team for the World Twenty20 Qualifiers, Pandey did not get a chance to play in any game. But he got two chances during the World T20 in India in 2016.
He came into the squad after Marlon Samuels was ruled out. His first opportunity came when West Indies were short of a bowling option and Pandey was the only option available. But he was not successful, conceding 36 runs in two overs. Pandey’s second opportunity came when West Indies were struggling with run-rate and needed a wicket-keeper.
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Pandey was selected to replace Samuels again and he also did not fail. His figures of 0/5 in his four overs did not look like bad numbers as they were at least a start. Pandey returned to his domestic circuit after that and continued his journey as a wicket-keeper and a batsman.
New Experience For The Wicket-keeper
Pandey’s ODI debut in October 2015 against Afghanistan in the UAE was his first international experience. He had the experience of playing an international match for the first time in his life and he had to adjust to the pressure of it. Pandey’s debut was a big achievement as he was picked from a pool of over 6,000 players and only a select group of 40 got the opportunity to play in this match.
Pandey was the wicket-keeper in that match and he did a commendable job by keeping 6 catches in the innings. He also scored a run-a-ball 23 in the same game which was a great way to start his career. Pandey played another two games for the West Indies in the UAE but did not get a chance to play any game in the next two years.
What Happened Next?
Pandey’s second game was against England at the Lord’s on 25th June 2017. Pandey’s performance in that game was not very good as he could not score a single run and could not take a single catch in the innings. Pandey’s overs bowled was one that went for four runs and his other figures were 0/1.
Pandey’s next game was again against England on 7th July at Trent Bridge. Pandey did a great job in this game by scoring a run-a-ball 29 and helped his team to get a big victory by beating the English by 36 runs.
Pandey’s next game was again against England at the Bristol on 12th July and he did not disappoint his fans as he scored a 31-ball 52 that helped his team to get a big victory by beating the English by an innings and 203 runs. Pandey’s next game was against New Zealand at the Headingley on 22nd July. Pandey’s figures in this game were 0/1 from two overs and his innings of 18 against New Zealand was nothing to write home about.
Pandey’s last game of the year was against Australia at Melbourne on 3rd August. Pandey’s numbers in this game were 0/1 from two overs and his batting score of 5 against Australia was again nothing to write home about. Pandey finished the year with a score of 18 runs in 6 matches and had a batting average of 3.50 with a strike rate of 60.50 which was not good at all.
Final Words
Pandey’s first year as a professional cricketer ended with a lot of disappointments. His first game of the year was against New Zealand at the Headingley on 5th September and Pandey could not do anything as he could not score any runs and could not take any catches in the innings.
Pandey’s next game was against New Zealand at the Headingley on 22nd September. Pandey could not disappoint his fans in this game because he scored a quick-fire 22-ball 49 that helped his team to get a big victory by beating the Black Caps by 39 runs.
Pandey finished the year with a score of 193 runs in 10 matches and had a batting average of 62.23 with a strike rate of 100.00 which was a great performance. Pandey’s last game of the year was against England at Headingley on 10th October. Pandey’s last game of the year was against England at Headingley on 17th October.
Pandey finished the year with a score of 193 runs in 10 matches and had a batting average of 62.23 with a strike rate of 100.00 which was a great performance. Pandey made his mark in all three forms of the game and became the first ever player from West Indies to reach the milestone.
Pandey’s performance in all three forms of the game is commendable and that is why he deserves a place in the “Bravo List”. Pandey’s story is unique and he is one of the players who received a chance because of his hard work and dedication. Pandey had a dream of playing cricket at the international level and he fought to fulfill his dream.
Pandey’s story is unique and he is one of the players who received a chance because of his hard work and dedication. Pandey had a dream of playing cricket at the international level and he fought to fulfill his dream. Pandey has become a role model for many aspiring cricketers in the country and has made a mark in the T20I format.
Pandey is going to play for the South African Super League side after the World Cup. Pandey does not think that he is lucky to play his first international match just because he is a part of a lucky country. He says that his performance is his best gift and that he should be thankful for it. Pandey has said that
