Watch: Krunal Pandya breaks down remembering late father after record-breaking fifty on ODI debut | Cricket News – Times of India
The 30-year-old Krunal was handed the India cap by his younger brother and star all-rounder Hardik.
He reached the half century mark in just 26 balls, overtaking John Morris (35 balls) of New Zealand.
This is all heart 💙🫂A teary moment for ODI debutant @krunalpandya24 post his brilliant quick-fire half-century💥💥… https://t.co/rgchiTNejg
— BCCI (@BCCI) 1616503704000
Krunal broke down while being interviewed by the host broadcaster after his blistering unbeaten knock of 58 (31 balls), which was studded with seven fours and two sixes.
“This one is for my father,” was all that Krunal could tell commentator Murali Kartik when asked about his unbeaten knock before being overwhelmed by emotions.
Century stand ✅Half centuries for @klrahul11 & @krunalpandya24 ✅300+ on the board ✅Brilliant batting display fr… https://t.co/krnLvfovnW
— BCCI (@BCCI) 1616502161000
He was enveloped by Hardik in a tight hug soon after.
Some brotherly love 💙🫂A moment to cherish for the duo 🧢#TeamIndia #INDvENG @Paytm https://t.co/UYwt5lmlQq
— BCCI (@BCCI) 1616486041000
For Krunal, the last three months have been an emotional roller-coaster.
In January, he had an ugly tiff with state-mate Deepak Hooda who accused the Baroda captain of bullying him during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy camp.
Hooda left the camp after that and was subsequently suspended for the entire season by the Baroda team management, which backed Krunal on the matter.
Weeks after the controversy, Krunal lost his father Himanshu and had to leave the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy bio-bubble to be with his family.