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Kolkata: Today marked a very proud moment for the family of the Pandya brothers as both the brothers made their debut in Indian Cricket. Star all rounder Hardik Pandya made his test debut when India took on Sri Lanka in the first test match at Galle today. Elder brother Krunal Pandya made his debut when India A took on South Africa A in a triangular series with Australia A.
Hardik is yet to feature in the game while Krunal got out on a duck after facing only three deliveries.
While speaking with www.xtratime.in correspondent Sabyasachi Bagchi, Himangshu Pandya shared his thoughts and feelings.
“I have a mixed feeling about this at the end of the day. I am immensely grateful that two of my sons have made debut in two different formats of the game. Hardik is yet to perform but if Krunal would have scored I would have been happier” said Himangshu Pandya, the father of Hardik.
“People don’t get everything in life and today as a guardian I am extremely proud for my sons and it is huge achievement for us” he added.
Being a businessman by profession Himangshu indulges in his work all day and night but has always supported his sons in cricket. When Hardik was 10 years old, he along with Krunal was admitted to Kiran More Cricket Academy, where they practice. Though comparatively Hardik had an easy career, Krunal has been financially more stable.
Krunal’s cricketing carrier was once hindered when he was injured badly in his shoulder. Owing to a special innings for Baroda in Sayed Mustak Ali finals, he was selected by the Mumbai Indians and then won the IPL in 2014 in Kolkata. Krunal too played well for Baroda and was selected by Mumbai Indians.
“I was following the score and was disappointed when I found our Krunal was out for a duck. I kept on praying for Hardik to perform well. I talked with him yesterday when he gave us a hint that he might get the cap. Today I felt immensely proud when Hardik was handed the white cap by Indian skipper Virat Kohli and became the 289th Indian to play a test match.”
“I usually don’t watch any matches of Hardik as I suffer from tension, but today was an exception when I witnessed him getting the cap. It was a proud moment for the entire family” said Nalini, the mother of Hardik.
“Both started from my Academy, and today as a coach I am very proud as he became the second player to get a test debut from my academy after Munaf Patel. Both the brothers are highly aggressive. Hardik often used to say that he would play tests for the nation and today he kept his promise and I fell proud by being his coach. I want them to prosper more in the coming years” said Kiran More.
“Hardik played for Indian A under the guidance of Rahul Dravid. Performing under the likes of Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar is always beneficial for any player and the improvement is evident from Hardik” concluded More.