[VIDEO] Krunal Pandya breaks down after fastest 50 on ODI debut; Hardik consoles him

During India’s first ODI match against England Pune last night, Krunal Pandya emerged as a star player, smashing the fastest fifty by an ODI debutant. He later broke down after remembering his late father, who died earlier this year.

Krunal Pandya, who managed to score 58 off just 31 balls in his ODI debut, said, “This one is for my dad. It was very emotional,” during his interview with Murali Karthik. The all-rounder became so choked with emotions that his brother Hardik stepped in to console him. While the brothers were having a moment, Murali Karthik said, “It is a proud moment for the family, and an emotional one as well.” Sunil Gavaskar said a while later, “The emotions well up. He has lost his father just months ago, so the emotions are raw. It was great of Murali Kartik to not carry on with the proceedings and allow him to go and prepare to bowl,” said Sunil Gavaskar a little later.”

The all-rounder, who was leading the Baroda team in the Syed Mushtaq Trophy back in January this year, had to leave the tournament midway after his father, aged 71, passed away due to a heart attack. Krunal shared pictures from the spectacular match, alongside a heartwarming caption, which read, “Papa, with every ball you were always on my mind and in my heart. Tears rolled down my face as I felt your presence with me. Thank you for being my strength, for being the biggest support I’ve had. I hope I made you proud. This is for you Papa, everything we do is for you Papa.”