Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Indian T20I team for the series against West Indies, has faced significant criticism in recent days due to the team’s lackluster performance in the initial two matches. However, after India’s convincing victory in the 3rd T20I, Pandya found himself at the center of attention for a different reason. During the chase of a target of 160 runs, Pandya hit a six on the final ball of the match to secure the win. This action, though, has sparked controversy as it occurred while the non-striker, Tilak Varma, needed just 1 run to complete his half-century.
In the 18th over’s fifth delivery, Pandya struck a maximum off Rovman Powell’s bowling, effectively sealing India’s victory. Unfortunately, this meant that Varma remained unbeaten on 49, falling short of what could have been a well-deserved fifty.
Most hated 6 by #HardikPandya #INDvsWI #TilakVarma #BCCI pic.twitter.com/U7WVQrN4xC
— Lexicopedia (@lexicopedia1) August 8, 2023
This move by Pandya hasn’t been well-received by fans on Twitter, with many branding it as ‘selfish’ and openly criticizing the experienced cricketer. Here are some reactions from social media:
Hardik Pandya is the most selfish cricketer till date.
Could’ve given a single to let that young lad Tilak get his fifty but nah he wants to be a finisher and show off pic.twitter.com/zWJhhNQHid
— leisha (@katyxkohli17) August 8, 2023
#HardikPandya bhai Tilak Verma ko half century to banane deta 😑 pic.twitter.com/ta6FAqrzpF
— Acash (@ACASH39) August 8, 2023
#HardikPandya selfish 😔 pic.twitter.com/MyIODaQgqZ
— Avi Raaz (@AviRaaz20) August 8, 2023
There are certain things which can’t be taught. #SanjuSamson #HardikPandya #selfish #pandyaselfish pic.twitter.com/63ufvvNrNM
— Achyuth Vimal (@achyuthvimal) August 8, 2023
Never seen a SELFISH Player like Hardik Pandya, Tilak was batting at 49 in hisa third game & Hardik finished the match with the six,this is how the LEADER should be?
Pathetic! pic.twitter.com/CoTJTSU6fy
— ᴘʀᴀᴛʜᴍᴇsʜ⁴⁵ (@45Fan_Prathmesh) August 8, 2023
Tilak Varma, making his T20I debut during this series, has proven to be a consistent performer for the team. In the last three matches, he scored 39, 51, and 49* respectively, showcasing his reliability despite his relative youth.
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In terms of the match itself, Suryakumar Yadav played a stellar role by taking on the West Indies bowlers. His explosive innings of 83 runs from just 44 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes, drew praise from skipper Hardik Pandya during the post-match presentation.
Hardik Pandya commended Yadav’s contribution, highlighting his responsibility and its positive impact on the team dynamic. He stated, “As Surya mentioned, they (SKY and Tilak) play together and spend time together, good to have someone like SKY in the team and when he takes responsibility it sends a message to the others.”
ALSO READ: ‘Tilak Varma is knocking down the doors of other formats’ – Abhinav Mukund
Despite the victory, India still trails in the 5-match T20I series against West Indies, now standing at 1-2.
