New Delhi : Hardik Pandya’s controversial decision to deny a single to Dhruv Jurel in the 18th over of India’s chase in the third T20I has sparked strong criticism from fans and analysts alike.
Pandya, who was under pressure to guide India to victory, faced a six-ball over from Jofra Archer in the 18th, where he managed to hit a crucial six. However, in the final delivery of the over, when Jurel played the ball towards the square leg boundary, Pandya chose not to take the single, resulting in him retaining the strike.
The decision appeared to backfire when Pandya, on the very first ball of the next over from Jamie Overton, attempted a big shot but was caught by Jos Buttler at long-off, bringing his knock to an abrupt end. His dismissal, at a crucial moment, left India reeling, and the momentum shifted decisively in England’s favour.
Pandya ended up scoring 40 runs off 35 balls at a strike rate of 114.29, a knock that was not enough to propel India to the target of 172. While some fans believe his decision to retain the strike in such a critical situation was a tactical move, many have criticized it as overconfident and a failure of leadership, especially in a tight match where every run counted.
England’s bowlers, including Adil Rashid (1/15), Jamie Overton (3/24), and Brydon Carse (2/28), capitalized on the middle overs and restricted India to just 145/9, sealing a comfortable win. The loss put India on the backfoot in the five-match series, denying them the opportunity to take an unassailable lead.
Pandya’s controversial actions have drawn attention to his leadership under pressure, with some calling it one of the worst decisions in the game. His failure to get India over the line when it mattered most has left fans and pundits questioning his tactical acumen and composure in high-stakes moments.
No Comments: