Indian cricketer Krunal Pandya, who received his first ODI cap for India from his brother Hardik Pandya before the start of the 1st ODI vs England on Tuesday, scored his maiden half century in 26 balls. This is the fastest fifty ever scored by a debutant in ODI match.

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Who is Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya, all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s brother, is also an all-rounder Indian International cricketer. He is a left-handed batsmen and slow left-arm bowler. 

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Like brother Hardik, Krunal plays for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. He is from Vadodara in Gujarat and plays domestic cricket for his home city.

His cricket journey started at Kiran More’s academy in Vadodara where he soon became a sensation for all the spectacular sixes and fours he scored in partnership with Hardik. The Pandya-duo often reminded fans of Pathan brothers, Irrfan and Yusuf Pathan.

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Krunal was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs 2 crore in 2016 despite not having made his first-class cricket debut. His selection in one of the most popular IPL teams was based purely on his talent and representation, suggests several cricket experts.

The left handed batsman, received tremendous adulation from fans and critics for to his impeccable performance in the IPL and led the selectors to call him up for India A’s tri-series against South Africa  and Afghanistan, where he displayed his cricket prowess time and again. 

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In 2018 IPL auctions, Mumbai Indians grabbed the star cricketer for a whooping 8.8 crores. They even used a ‘Right To Match’ card for him.

Krunal made his ODI debut on Tuesday against England and apart from giving an excellent performance, he broke a class record by beating Jon Morris of New Zealand, who earlier held the record for scoring  fastest fifty on ODI debut.