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For someone who has spent years chasing victories on the cricket field, Krunal Pandya admits that these days, his biggest joy isn't buying the latest sneakers or luxury watches—it's shopping for his children. The all-rounder says becoming a father has completely changed his relationship with shopping, making family outings and creating memories far more meaningful than personal indulgences.

"I wouldn't call myself a big shopper," Krunal says with a smile. "I've never really been someone who shops just for the sake of it. I like buying things that have a purpose. These days, most of our shopping is for the family and it's largely handled by my wife, Pankhuri. If I think about my last purchase, it was probably something for my boys."

Fatherhood, he says, has shifted his priorities in more ways than one. "Becoming a parent has definitely changed the way I shop. Watching my children get excited over the smallest things makes every shopping trip a lot more special. Those moments stay with you. Earlier, shopping was just about picking up something you needed. Now it's about spending time together and seeing the happiness on their faces."

Fashion, too, is something he approaches with simplicity rather than trends. While many cricketers have become style icons, Krunal says the person who influences his wardrobe the most is someone much closer to home.

"My wife Pankhuri," he says without hesitation. "Otherwise, I don't really follow anyone in particular. I believe in being comfortable and wearing what feels like me. I've always felt confidence matters more than following trends. If you're comfortable in what you're wearing, it naturally reflects in the way you carry yourself."

Despite travelling constantly for cricket, Ahmedabad continues to hold a special place in his heart. Returning to his hometown is less about sightseeing and more about reconnecting with the people who keep him grounded.

"I was born in Ahmedabad, so it's always special coming back to the city and seeing my family and friends. A home-cooked meal is always high up on the list whenever I'm here. There's a certain warmth and simplicity about home that keeps you grounded. No matter where cricket takes me, that's something I'll always value," he said post his recent visit there for his association with Phoenix Shopping League 2026 , a sports-inspired shopping campaign that aimed to bring the excitement of competition into the retail experience.

Explaining what drew him to the association, he says, "What I really liked was the idea of bringing people together. It's not just about shopping—it's about creating memories, enjoying the experience and spending quality time with family and friends. That's what stood out to me about the Phoenix Shopping League. It brings the excitement, participation and rewards of sport into shopping, making people part of the experience rather than just spectators."

Having played in numerous pressure situations across formats, Krunal believes experience remains one of the most underrated qualities in T20 cricket. "One hundred per cent, experience helps you stay calm under pressure. Skills are always important, but making good decisions in key moments often comes with experience. The biggest lesson experience teaches you is patience. In T20, everything happens quickly, but the best decisions often come from staying calm rather than reacting instantly. That's what patience and experience give you—clarity when the game is on the line," he says.