A day after guiding India to a sensational victory over England, Krunal Pandya celebrates his 30th birthday on Wednesday (March 24), and wishes are pouring in from worldwide. The southpaw introduced himself in ODI cricket with a staggering knock on debut. Coming to bat at number seven in the opening ODI at the Maharastra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, Krunal made a mockery of the England bowlers and smashed a fifty off 26 balls, the fastest for any debutant in ODI cricket history. Riding on his brilliance, the Men in Blue posted 317/5 while batting first and eventually won the game by 66 runs. The left-arm spinner also scalped a crucial wicket. Hardik Pandya Pens Heartfelt Note as Brother Krunal Celebrates 30th Birthday.
It was indeed an emotional moment for Krunal as he lost his father a couple of months ago. He dedicated his match-winning effort to his father and even broke down while talking on Live TV. Netizens hailed the senior Pandya for his gesture, and as the all-rounder turned 30, social media got flooded with wishes. While his younger brother Hardik penned a heartfelt note, Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Karthik also extended wishes for Krunal. Have a look!
Hardik Pandya's Heartfelt Note!!
We’re on this journey together bhai right from the start ❤️ The highs, the lows, I’m lucky to have you by my side. Happy birthday big bro 🤗 @krunalpandya24 pic.twitter.com/FpghfOkwvC
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) March 24, 2021
Yuvraj Singh's Message!!
Happy birthday @krunalpandya24! Congratulations on a dream debut 🇮🇳 Keep working hard and have a great year ahead! 👍🏻
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) March 24, 2021
Dinesh Karthik's Emotional Message!!
and how they've gone from strength to strength post January when they met with a debacle.
Much love brothers, and a very happy birthday to you @krunalpandya24
— DK (@DineshKarthik) March 24, 2021
Mumbai Indians Wishes Krunal!!
Happy birthday, Krunal! Wishing you all the luck and success 🎉
Thanks for the treat that you gave us with the bat a few hours ago 🥳💙#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians @krunalpandya24 pic.twitter.com/dujGD8H9lj
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 23, 2021
BCCI Extends Greetings!!
Aggressive batsman 🔥
Effective bowler 👍
Fine fielder 👌
Here's wishing #TeamIndia all-rounder @krunalpandya24 a very happy birthday. 🎂👏 pic.twitter.com/fKyusBYPrv
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 24, 2021
Meanwhile, India earned a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after winning the first ODI. Hence, a win in the second game would seal the deal for them. However, the home team can miss services of Shreyas Iyer, who dislocated his shoulder while fielding. On the other hand, the next contest, taking place on Friday (March 25), would be a do-or-die encounter for the Three Lions, and they should come all guns blazing.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 24, 2021 12:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).