New Zealand vs India: Hardik Pandya shares a picture with brother Krunal ahead of the first T20I

India were set to witness a pair of brothers featuring in their national team as all-rounder Hardik Pandya and his brother Krunal Pandya were in the squad for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand starting Wednesday. It was a special occasion for both players as playing together for India was always dream for them.

Hardik was injured when Krunal made his international debut in a T20I series against the Windies and also when he played in the shortest format series against Australia Down Under. He had to overcome a lot of hurdles and now the stage is set for the duo to play for India together.

The 27-year-old Krunal has played six T20Is so far, picking up as many wickets with the best of 4 for 36 against Australia in Sydney. His best bowling figures are better than his more accomplished brother who has already played 35 matches and picked 33 scalps. Hardik made a return to the Indian team for the second time in a month after facing a suspension over a controversial TV appearance that saw him missing three ODIs against Australia and two against New Zealand.

The 25-year-old ace all-rounder, who is considered to be one of India’s key players in the upcoming World Cup, seemed to be emotional over the prospects of playing for India alongside his elder brother. He shared a picture of him along with Krunal on Twitter and captioned it: “Brothers in arm”.

Brothers in arm 👬🇮🇳 #onedream #india🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/8qaIPPU5Zq

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) February 5, 2019

Hardik made an impressive return to international cricket eventually

Hardik made an impressive return to international cricket after a break marked by injury and controversy. He took a flying catch to dismiss New Zealand captain Kane Williamson who is also his side’s best batsman in the third ODI of the recently concluded series in Mount Maunganui besides taking two wickets.

Virat Kohli, who has taken a break from the game at the moment, praised the man who found himself in a lot of trouble just a few days ago over his remarks in the popular TV show ‘Koffee With Karan’. If the Pandya brothers get to play together in the first T20I in Wellington, they will be the first pair of brothers since Yusuf and Irfan Pathan who played together for India in a T20I game in 2012.

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from World Cup 2019, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.