‘This one is for my dad’: Krunal Pandya breaks down in tears after smashing fastest 50 by ODI debutant

Papa, with every ball you were always on my mind and in my heart. Tears rolled down my face as I felt your presence with me. Thank you for being my strength, for being the biggest support I’ve had. I hope I made you proud. This is for you Papa, everything we do is for you Papa ❤️ pic.twitter.com/djQWaytETG

— Krunal Pandya (@krunalpandya24) March 23, 2021

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

As Krunal broke down in tears, Kartik asked him to take his time. Krunal then asked for the interview to be cut short and the cameras moved away from him.

READ | Krunal Pandya becomes emotional on being given maiden ODI cap by Hardik Pandya

The cameras later showed his brother Hardik Pandya going up to him and clasping him in a hug. “It is a proud moment for the family, and an emotional one as well,” Kartik said.

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

“The emotions well up. He has lost his father just months ago, so the emotions are raw. It was great of Murali Kartik to not carry on with the proceedings and allow him to go and prepare to bowl,” said Sunil Gavaskar a little later.

READ | Hardik, Krunal Pandya’s father passes away

Krunal and Hardik Pandyas’ father passed away at the age of 71 in January this year after a cardiac arrest. Krunal, who had been leading the Baroda team in the Syed Mushtaq Trophy, had left the tournament mid-way to return home at the time.

pic.twitter.com/bwmZiCmYlP

— tony (@tony49901400) March 23, 2021

Krunal Pandya smashed the fastest 50 by an ODI debutant — looking up at the skies to celebrate the moment — as India posted 317/5 in their 50 overs. Hardik was also seen wiping away a tear on the sidelines as his brother reached his 50.