“Leading from the front” - Hardik Pandya lauds his brother and Baroda captain Krunal Pandya for smashing century in Ranji Trophy 2024-25

Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya took to social media to celebrate his brother Krunal Pandya's impressive century on Monday, October 28. Krunal scored 119 runs off 143 balls, hitting 15 fours and four sixes in the Round 3 match of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 against Odisha.

Krunal has had a strong start to the tournament, scoring two fifties in the initial matches against Mumbai and Services before achieving his century in the third game.

On Instagram story, Hardik expressed his pride for his brother, writing:

“Leading from the front my brother! Top, top 100. Credit to all your hard work.”

Hardik lauds brother Krunal Pandya for smashing century (Image via Instagram-@hardikpandya93)

Meanwhile, Hardik is set to return to action as India take on South Africa in a four-match T20I series beginning on Friday, November 8, in Durban.

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Krunal Pandya's Baroda beat Odisha by an innings and 98 runs

Odisha won the toss and chose to bat first but struggled early, losing half their wickets for just 73 runs. Biplab Samantray (58) and wicketkeeper Aasirwad Swain (37) provided some resistance for Odisha. Mahesh Pithiya was the standout bowler for Baroda, taking five wickets as Odisha were bowled out for 193.

In response, Baroda’s Shivalik Sharma (96 off 209 balls) and Vishnu Solanki (98 off 190 balls) both fell short of centuries. However, captain Krunal Pandya made no mistake, scoring a magnificent 119 off 143 balls. Baroda ended their first innings with 456 runs, establishing a lead of 263. Govinda Poddar took five wickets for Odisha.

Baroda's bowlers were relentless in Odisha's second innings, claiming wickets at regular intervals. Anurag Sarangi scored 49 runs off 62 balls, and Kartik Biswal finished unbeaten on 53 off just 26 balls.

However, no other batter made a notable contribution, leading to Odisha being bowled out for 165 runs, resulting in a loss by an innings and 98 runs. Ninad Rathva was exceptional for Baroda, taking six wickets.