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West Indies defeated India by eight wickets in the final T20I of the five-match leg to register a historic series-clinching victory over the Men in Blue on Sunday (August 13). It is worth mentioning that this is the first time in 17 years that India lost a bilateral T20I series to the Caribbean side.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss in the series decider, India managed to post a respectable target of 166 runs on a promising batting surface. Although the rest of the Indian batting lineup struggled to leave a lasting impact, Suryakumar Yadav hammered a brilliant 61 runs off 45 balls for the hosts.
In reply, West Indies showcased a remarkable display of power hitting, with Brandon King (85*) and Nicholas Pooran (47) tearing through India’s bowling attack. The duo’s exploit eventually led the Men in Maroon to an impressive eight-wicket series-clinching victory over India.
Fans lash out at Hardik Pandya and the BCCI:
As the news of India’s disheartening loss spread like wildfire, cricket fans took to social media platforms to vent their frustration and disappointment. Much of the backlash was directed towards the India skipper Hardik Pandya, who faced considerable criticism for his perceived poor decision-making on the field and lacklustre captaincy throughout the series. Some also went on to slam the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) for too many experiments.
However, what truly ignited the ire of netizens was Pandya’s post-match remarks, where he seemingly trivialized the loss by casually stating, “losing is good sometimes, it teaches you.”
The carefree statement from Pandya struck a nerve with fans who were already frustrated by the team’s performance, and the internet was flooded with scathing comments and memes directed towards Pandya and BCCI. Netizens even resurrected Pandya’s past remarks and used them to taunt and troll the beleaguered skipper.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Hardik Pandya is a perfect example no matter how much fame and success you get your chapriness will never go.
— Akshay (@akshaykatariyaa) August 14, 2023
Hardik Pandya is an arrogant captain and doesn't know how to accept defeat. You can never excuse defeat by learning.
— Nilabh Dash (@Neylov1234) August 14, 2023
Hardik Pandya’s “it’s good to lose sometimes” is shameful. His and the team’s performance was miserable, to say the least. He doesn’t seem to be bothered about the loss for India. Remember one of the jokers saying India can send 3 teams. Probably meant to lose.
— Venkataramani Subbiah (@Venkat47827372) August 14, 2023
Yeh sasta Jacques Kallis sirf #Dhoni ka name lekar public sympathy bator raha hai baki kuch bhi jeetna iske bus ki bat nahi hai. He said "we don't need to explain much" after being thrashed by WI. Kyu bhai jageer hai kya Indian team tumhari? #HardikPandya #INDvsWI #RahulDravid pic.twitter.com/B7KGBGypFd
— Dinesh Jangid (@thedineshjangid) August 14, 2023
Taking the decision of choosing player/captain on the basis of IPL performance is a very incorrect parameter by @BCCI #HardikPandya
— Sagar Bansal (@common__aadmi) August 14, 2023
Rahul Dravid gave every excuse in book to cover Indias historic 3-2 loss to West Indies. But he didnt explain why #HardikPandya forced himself as no 4 /5 bat
Harpic infesting any position above no. 7 will be disaster for white ball ICT. Who gave him notion that he is Steve Smith
— Imperial Tiffin (@Yash_Dhawan_) August 14, 2023
Hardik Pandya has revived the West Indies cricket.
Something that their board couldn't.
Barbados>>Baroda.
"It's okay to be unique!"
Abhi World Cup me ijjat rakh lene bhai.
🙈🫣— Dr. Devashish Palkar (@psychidiaries) August 14, 2023
Hardik Pandya, Current T20 Captain.
He can't Bat
He can't Bowl
He can't do Proper Captaincy.Full Attitude
Full EGO
Full Arrogance
And
This Guy will be our Future captain?He cannot be spreading toxic in Indian team's dressing room. SACK HARDIK PANDYA.@BCCI
— alphaman (@goliilog) August 14, 2023
@BCCI
So Shame on Hardik Pandya. Lost T20 series to WI.
Too arrogant and overrated player.
No Fitness. No performance. Only a recommendation player from Gujarat. He is toxic. Please make Gill or Samson as T20 captain. Sack Hardik Pandya.— R.K.G (@RKGOOGKR) August 14, 2023
It's high time BCCI , just 2 months to go for the World Cup and you are still not over with your experiments. Why don't you just settle your team for Asia Cup and WC and let the players get their responsibility and roles. Otherwise winning will be just a dream.
— atul kushwaha (@a74420351) August 14, 2023
Arrogance Flying, BCCI Sleeping.
— Bless Finance (@blessfinance_in) August 14, 2023
Also READ: Venkatesh Prasad slams Team India following their T20I series loss against West Indies
