Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

Got dad’s bag to dressing room to keep him close: Krunal

By The Assam Tribune
Got dad’s bag to dressing room to keep him close: Krunal
X

Hardik Pandya (R) consoles brother Krunal.

Himanshu Pandya, cricketer duo’s father, passed away in January

PUNE, March 24: Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya had his late father Himanshu’s travel bag in the dressing room as he tried to keep him close ahead of his outstanding ODI debut in which he smashed the fastest 50 by a debutant.

Celebrating his 30th birthday on Wednesday, Krunal and his younger brother and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya spoke about the close relationship they shared with the senior Pandya, who died of a heart attack in January.

“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.

“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,” Krunal revealed on BCCI’s official website.

Apart from his 58-run knock, Krunal also picked up a wicket in the game, against England, which India won by 66 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. He broke down while speaking to the host broadcaster after the match and was comforted by his brother.

“His blessings are there with us and obviously it was very emotional for you and me, both of us, and again getting a cap from you,” Krunal told Hardik.

Krunal has gone through a lot in the past few months. After being dropped from the Indian T20 team, he was caught in a spat with all-rounder Deepak Hooda before losing his father, who had played a key role in making him a cricketer.

“My focus has always been about how I can be the best version of myself, how I can improve, not just as a cricketer, but how can I improve as a human being as well.

“Again somewhere down the line, I just feel his (late father’s) blessings are there, just feel more secure...this is for him,” said Krunal.

Hardik, on his part, revealed that Krunal’s body language showed his love for their late father.

Krunal, a left-handed batsman and a slow-left arm orthodox bowler, who has played 18 T20s, has been also playing for five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians. – PTI

Next Story