“Papa Would Be Proud Of You,” Tweets Hardik Pandya After Krunal Pandya’s Amazing ODI Debut For India

The Indian team played England in the first ODI of the three-match series against England at the MCA Stadium in Pune, Maharashtra. Given that they were coming off a 3-1 Test series win and a 3-2 T20I series win over England, the Men in Blue decided to give two of its players ODI debuts.

Prasidh Krishna and Krunal Pandya made their ODI debuts for India and the elder Pandya received his ODI cap from his younger brother Hardik and the brothers shared an emotional hug after the capping ceremony as Krunal pointed towards the sky to dedicate his debut to his late father.

Krunal and Hardik’s father Himanshu Pandya lost his life to a massive cardiac arrest in January this year. Both the brothers have talked about their father’s hardships and hard-work to ensure both of them got the best facilities to play cricket.

He’s Smiling Down On You Bhai And Sent An Early Birthday Gift For You: Hardik Pandya Tweeted For Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya had a smashing outing for India as he slammed the fastest fifty on his ODI debut, as he cruised to his maiden half-century in just 26 balls and ended up making 58* in 31 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes. He also added 112* runs for the sixth wicket with KL Rahul, who made 62* with 4 fours and 4 sixes.

This enabled India to post 317/5 in 50 overs after Shikhar Dhawan (98) and Virat Kohli (56) had laid a good platform for the lower order to explode in the last few overs.

Krunal Pandya had dedicated his half-century to his late father and had broken down in tears while talking to the commentators after his innings and was consoled by his brother Hardik. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya took to Twitter to celebrate Krunal’s achievement on his ODI debut and mentioned how his father had given him an early birthday gift, as Krunal’s birthday falls on March 24.

“Papa would be proud. He’s smiling down on you bhai and sent an early birthday gift for you. You deserve the world and more. I couldn’t be happier for you bhai. This one is for you Papa,” Hardik Pandya tweeted.

Papa would be proud. He’s smiling down on you bhai and sent an early birthday gift for you. You deserve the world and more. I couldn’t be happier for you bhai. This one is for you Papa ❤️ @krunalpandya24 pic.twitter.com/xxn9wfF689

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) March 23, 2021

England Falls Apart After Jonny Bairstow’s Knock

England had a dream start to their chase, as Jason Roy (46) and Jonny Bairstow added 135 runs in 14.2 overs. However, when Shardul Thakur dismissed Bairstow for 94 and Prasidh Krishna removed Roy, England fell apart at seams.

Prasidh Krishna picked 4/54, the best figures by an Indian on ODI debut, while Shardul Thakur picked 3/37 and Bhuvneshwar Kumar took two wickets, as England was bowled out for 251 runs in 8 overs to go.

Also Read: India Vs England 2021: Prasidh Krishna Becomes The First Indian Bowler To Claim 4 Wickets On ODI Debut