India vs England: Krunal Pandya breaks down during innings break in memory of his late father

Watching Krunal Pandya taking England bowlers to the cleaners on his ODI debut on Tuesday (March 23) was a thrilling experience. And watching him struggle to deal with emotions after he dedicated his scintillating knock to his father was equally difficult and a moving experience. The all-rounder donned the India jersey for the first time since his father passed away in January this year due to a cardiac arrest.

Having played 18 T20Is so far, Krunal got his maiden ODI cap from his brother Hardik before the start of the game. At that time too, he had become emotional and was seen crying while hugging his younger brother. The 29-year old was quick to control his emotions as he starred with the bat on his debut. The southpaw slammed an unbeaten 58 off just 31 deliveries to guide India to a big total of 317 for 5.

India were reeling at 205 for 5 in the 41st over when Krunal Pandya walked out to join KL Rahul in the middle. From the very start, he played his shots and helped India recover after a mini-collapse. The southpaw reached his fifty off just 26 balls with the help of 6 fours and 2 sixes. He now holds the record for the fastest ODI fifty by a debutant.

Krunal also shared a century-plus stand with Rahul who remained unbeaten on 62. The duo added 112 runs off just 57 balls to help India recover from 205 for 5 and finish on 317.

Krunal Pandya cries while remembering his father

Soon after India’s innings ended, Krunal Pandya was invited by the commentators for an interview. However, the all-rounder could not speak much as he was unable to hold back the tears. An emotional Krunal dedicated his knock to his father and was just too emotional to speak to the broadcasters. He appeared to struggle to deal with his emotions and kept putting his fingers on his eyes to stop the tears from falling down.

In the end, the commentator had to cancel the interview and Krunal Pandya was not in a situation to say anything. It was followed by another heartwarming incident as Hardik was waiting for him to give him a hug.

Here is a clip of Krunal Pandya’s interview:

#KrunalPandya
Unbelievable
Fastest international 50 on debut 👏
And so emotional he could not conduct the interview as he dedicated it to his father… something that truly resonates with me
Bless him #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/kAQAo2Xcb1

— Neilby_Gooner 70 ⚽ (@Neilby70) March 23, 2021

This is all heart 💙🫂

A teary moment for ODI debutant @krunalpandya24 post his brilliant quick-fire half-century💥💥@hardikpandya7 #TeamIndia #INDvENG @Paytm pic.twitter.com/w3x8pj18CD

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 23, 2021