Krunal Pandya scored the first List A century of his career on Monday in Baroda’s six-wicket victory against Tripura in a Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group A match in Surat.
Chasing an imposing target of 303, Baroda rode on a 108-ball 97 from the in-form Vishnu Solanki before Pandya, who is captaining the side in the tournament, hit an unbeaten 127 off 97 to finish off the game.
The 29-year-old all-rounder then took to social media to dedicate his century to his father, who passed away in December, with a series of posts. He wrote that his father had told him that his time has just started.
“My son, your time has just started... these were the last words of my Dad when we discussed cricket after I scored 76 in a SMAT (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy game last month. Then, I was touched by his appreciation but now I’m astonished by his vision for me,” wrote Pandya.
Here are his posts:
“MY SON, YOUR TIME HAS JUST STARTED,” these were the last words of my Dad when we discussed cricket after I scored 76 in a SMAT game last month. Then, I was touched by his appreciation but now I’m astonished by his vision for me. pic.twitter.com/9NPsv7rJie
— Krunal Pandya (@krunalpandya24) February 23, 2021
Coincidentally, my Mom was here to watch the game for the first time and I scored a 100. I got emotional after the 100 & dedicated this innings to my Dad who I know had a grin on his face when I thanked him for every moment he has given me to fulfil my dreams. Papa, I LOVE YOU ❤️
— Krunal Pandya (@krunalpandya24) February 23, 2021