Krunal Pandya congratulates brother Hardik Pandya on receiving his Test cap

India is playing against Sri Lanka in the first Test of the 3-match Test series at Galle today. All-rounder Hardik Pandya was awarded a maiden Test cap in the game. Pandya has shown the knack of picking wickets in the limited-overs, and skipper Virat Kohli looks at him as someone who can be a wicket-taker in the longest format of the game as well.

The 23-year-old’s had been a part of the Test side for the series against England and Australia at home but failed to get a game due to injuries. Hardik became the 289th player to earn his India Test cap. He has been rewarded for his excellent all-round performance in the limited-overs format. Pandya played a significant knock of 76 runs at a strike rate of more than 176 with the bat against Pakistan in the final of the Champions Trophy 2017 in England.

Krunal Pandya a proud brother

Hardik’s elder brother Krunal Pandya was all proud and happy for his sibling. The two have played a lot of cricket together in the IPL for Mumbai Indians and for their domestic team Baroda. Krunal who is in South Africa with the India A team congratulated his brother through social media with an emotional message, “Hardik Pandya- Test cap no. 289 for India. To see you play Test cricket for our country makes me extremely proud. Well done, brother!” tweeted the left-arm spinner.

Krunal is getting ready for the game against South Africa A team later in the day. The 26-year old all-rounder also received his maiden call-up in the India A team for the tri-series in South Africa. The tri-series includes Afghanistan as the third team A team after Australia A side pulled out of the series due to their ongoing pay dispute with Cricket Australia.