India’s cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Krunal Pandya for playing with freedom on his debut after the all-rounder had a dream ODI debut on Tuesday (March 23) against England in the series-opener of the ongoing three-match ODI series in Pune.
Krunal hit a 26-ball half-century to enter into the history books as he became the only batsman in the world to have hit the fastest fifty in ODI cricket on debut, as well as, the only the third India batsman to hit a fifty on debut while batting at No. 7 or below after Saba Karim and Ravindra Jadeja. He also became the 15th Indian batsman to hit a fifty-plus score on debut in ODI cricket.
Playing his first ODI for Team India, the left-hander scored an unbeaten 58 off 31 balls laced with seven fours and two sixes, as well as, stitched a 112-run stand with KL Rahul (62*) for the sixth wicket to help India post 317 for 5 in their fifty overs against England.
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The spinner also picked up a wicket as India restricted England to 251 and won the first ODI by 66 runs on Tuesday in Pune.
After the game, former India captain lauded the all-rounder for his explosive batting on his ODI debut and taking the pressure off his partner Rahul and allowing him to back to his usual nick on Tuesday.
Gavaskar told Star Sports: “It was fabulous to watch Krunal Pandya bat. Don’t forget that he was making his debut. So, it’s very difficult for somebody to play with the freedom that he showed. The shots that he was playing straight from the time that he came in.”
He further added, “With KL Rahul not quite hitting at that particular point, somebody had to take the initiative. Krunal took the initiative and eased it for KL Rahul. That’s what team spirit is all about – easing the pressure off your teammate. That’s why his batting was so impressive.”
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Meanwhile, VVS Laxman also lauded the 30-year-old’s fearless attitude and the way he played his stroke play without any fear at the highest level in the opening ODI against England.
Praising the all-rounder, Laxman said, “He [Krunal] took the aggressive role and played his natural game. Just like the way he does in the IPL, just like he did in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He’s in good prime form and when you are in that kind of positive mindset, you are going to play those kinds of shots. Unbelievable execution of stroke play and fearless attitude.”
Following the impressive all-rounder show, Krunal is likely to get another chance to show off his game in the second ODI against England to be played on March 26 in Pune.
