India vs England: Krunal Pandya loses his cool, engages in verbal altercation with Tom Curran before umpire intervenes

Krunal Pandya has started his ODI career on a sensational note. The all-rounder was handed his maiden cap on Tuesday for the first ODI against England at the Maharashtra Cricket Stadium in Pune and he made the most of the opportunity. The southpaw slammed a whirlwind fifty to guide India to a big total of 317 for 5.

Krunal reached his fifty off just 26 deliveries and now holds the record of the fastest half-century ever by a debutant in ODI cricket. He overtook John Morris (35 balls) of New Zealand, who set the record against England way back in 1990. His 26-ball fifty is also the fastest ODI fifty by an Indian since 2012. The 29-year old remained unbeaten on 58 off 31 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.

Krunal was ably supported by KL Rahul, who also remained unbeaten on 62 off 43. The duo joined hands when India were reeling at 205 for 5 in the 41st over. A 300-plus total at that stage was looking highly unlikely. However, Rahul and Krunal took the England bowlers to the cleaners and shared a 112-run stand in just 9.3 overs to take India to 317.

Krunal Pandya engages in altercation

Krunal Pandya caught everyone’s attention not only with his batting but also by engaging in a verbal battle with England all-rounder Tom Curran. The incident took place after the fifth delivery of the 49th over in the India innings when Pandya hit Curran’s delivery towards long-off for a single. While crossing over for a single, Krunal seemingly heard something from Curran and decided to give the latter an earful.

The exchange was dramatic but before it could get out of hands, the on-field umpire intervened. Krunal, however, was not done yet and kept saying something to Curran. Jos Buttler soon joined the exchange too and was seen saying something to the India debutant while Curran walked away to his bowling mark. As of now, it’s unclear as to what exactly triggered Krunal into launching into a tirade.

Here is a clip of the incident involving Krunal Pandya and Tom Curran

pic.twitter.com/FmkPxdGmbz

— Simran (@CowCorner9) March 24, 2021