Our father passed away at 4 o'clock in the morning, Krunal Pandya has been carrying his stuff from there on: Hardik Pandya

Krunal Pandya’s ODI debut on Tuesday against England was filled with emotions, passion, and some superlative batting from the left-hander. The southpaw scored a 31-ball 58, helping Team India post a daunting 317 in their 50 overs. During the knock, Krunal was seen throwing punches in the air in jubilation, and looking at the heavens, dedicating his runs to his late father.

Back in January 2021, when he was playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Baroda, Krunal lost his father. After playing three games, he left Baroda’s bio-secure bubble to attend his father’s last rites. Ever since then, the 30-year-old has been carrying his father’s clothes. Krunal didn’t forget the same even before his ODI debut at the MCA Stadium in Pune.

After the opening game, which India won by 66 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series, Hardik, Krunal’s younger brother, interviewed him. During the clip, emotions flowed as both talked about their father and his influence on their lives.

Krunal Pandya opens up  

“So basically the thing is, he passed away on 16th morning and I was playing Syed Mushtaq Ali on that day. He had a habit of keeping his clothes ready in the night, his shoes, his pant, his shirt, hat as well,” Krunal was quoted as saying on BCCI’s official website.

“So what I did was just before the game, I got his bag from Baroda here, and I thought, I know he is not with us, but those clothes, which he was supposed to wear in that game, I thought I’ll bring that and keep in the dressing room,” he stated.

“It shows in your body language as well, but not many people know, our father is actually with us in the dressing room, Krunal has been carrying…our father passed away at 4 o’clock in the morning and he was someone who used to always keep his stuff ready for the next day. Krunal has been carrying the bag which has his (stuff),” Hardik mentioned.

Krunal and Hardik have been key members of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Back in 2016, Hardik got into the Indian team and is currently one of their premier all-rounders. Krunal, on the other hand, made his T20I debut in 2018 after which he got his ODI cap as well.