Krunal in tears as he dedicates debut 50 to late father

TIL Desk Sports/ Krunal Pandya broke down while remembering his late father after registering the fastest fifty by an ODI debutant in the first match of the 50-overs’ series against England, in Pune, on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old batsman, who was handed the India cap by his younger brother Hardik before the math, posted his half century off just 26 balls, overtaking New Zealand’s John Morris (35 balls) in the process.

Krunal was overwhelmed by emotion while being interviewed by the host broadcaster after the blistering, unbeaten knock of 58 (31 balls), which was studded with seven fours and two sixes.

“This one is for my father,” was all that Krunal could tell commentator Murali Kartik, when asked about his unbeaten knock. He was enveloped by Hardik in a tight hug soon after. For Krunal, the last three months have been an emotional roller-coaster.