Emotions got the better of Krunal Pandya who smashed a maiden half-century upon his ODI debut for Team India against England in the first ODI on Tuesday. His swift 58 (31) along with KL Rahul’s 62 (43) propelled India to a formidable total of 317. Walking out after the innings, Krunal hugged his brother Hardik while wiping out tears. Pandya was then summoned by commentators to share his thoughts on his splendid debut knock in India’s colours.
“This one’s for my dad actually,” he said while struggling to control his emotions.
“He’s so proud of you, we’re all proud of you,” said commentator Murali Kartik in response.
Clearly overcome by emotions, Pandya teared up during the interview before the match broadcasters decided to give the emotional cricketer space and moment.
A video from the incident went viral on Monday, making fans and followers of the sport quite emotional.
What a debut innings by Krunal Pandya. Emotions can't controlled by him #ENGvsIND #KrunalPandya pic.twitter.com/NTlX6pewkz— Vipul Madkaikar (@the_vipul10) March 23, 2021
Me watching Krunal Pandya dedicate his half century to his father pic.twitter.com/Egp6DkuKFV— Sagar (@sagarcasm) March 23, 2021
Krunal Pandya crying and hugging his brother after his terrific knock on his ODI debut. pic.twitter.com/KtUxqGTVGt— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 23, 2021
Oh wow. I’m sure we all want to give Krunal a hug right now. Such raw emotion. This means so much to him. #INDvENG— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) March 23, 2021
What it means to lose someone dear to you, to represent your country, to do well for your team!Krunal, you have made everyone proud today. pic.twitter.com/fOxd5fvkTs
— Subhajit (@subhajitm) March 23, 2021
Krunal Pandya emotionally said this innings is for his dad.— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 23, 2021
Krunal Pandya breaks down after scoring fastest 50 along with KL Rahul. Hardik Pandya consoles him. #KrunalPandya #klrahul #HardikPandya #INDvsENG #ENGvsIND @krunalpandya24@hardikpandya7 pic.twitter.com/asPd7cidZM— Deep Desai (@Deep7006) March 23, 2021
These remote interviews are so cruel – no one can even give Krunal a hug at this point — Tareque Laskar (@tarequelaskar) March 23, 2021
Omg just wanna give Krunal a hug man, that’s how much it means #MI #INDvENG— Stubbsy (@stubbsbear) March 23, 2021
I just want to go and give Krunal a big big hug #INDvENG— The Wrong ‘Un (@wronguncricket) March 23, 2021
Someone give Krunal Pandya a hug please— Jacob Whitehead (@jwhitey98) March 23, 2021
Krunal Pandya dedicates 50 on debut to his father, who passed away recently. Some very emotional scenes. He couldn’t get his words together in the post-inns interview. Deserved this hug. #IndvEng pic.twitter.com/mxYtwffl5q— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 23, 2021
– Lost his father earlier this year– Makes ODI debut today and recieves the Cap from his brother– Fastest 50 by a cricketer on ODI debut.Pretty sure the entire country is proud of Krunal Pandya! #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/pq2St7TrgZ
— Pulkit (@OleTrain) March 23, 2021
Cricket isn't only game in India. It's a emotion.Well played Krunal Pandya !❤️ #KrunalPandya #INDvsENG_2021 pic.twitter.com/zyQXx085Yk
— Manpreet Singh (@tera_manii) March 23, 2021
What a debut innings by Krunal Pandya. Emotions can't controlled by him #ENGvIND #KrunalPandya pic.twitter.com/YZ4tdtNIOj
— Shravan (@shravan_salaar) March 23, 2021
The Pandya brothers lost their father Himanshu earlier this year and after receiving his cap Krunal paid tribute to his dad and could not hold back his tears. Younger brother Hardik, part of the playing XI, hugged consoled Krunal.
