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In the high-stakes atmosphere of the third T20I between India and England, held at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, Hardik Pandya‘s dismissal became a focal point of frustration for both him and Indian cricket fans. The match, which was crucial for maintaining India’s lead in the five-match series, turned into a bitter disappointment as Pandya’s sluggish performance contributed to India’s defeat by 26 runs.
Hardik Pandya screams in frustration after the end of his slow innings
As India chased a target of 172 runs, they found themselves in a precarious position at 68 for 4 after just eight overs. The pressure was palpable, and every run became vital. Pandya, known for his explosive batting, was expected to anchor the innings and accelerate towards the end. However, his approach was cautious; he faced 35 balls to score only 40 runs, striking at a mere 114.29. This slow start drew criticism from fans and commentators alike, who felt he wasted too many deliveries without scoring significantly.
The turning point came in the 19th over when India needed an ambitious 41 runs from the final 12 balls. Jamie Overton‘s clever variations in pace proved too much for Pandya, who misjudged a delivery that resulted in an easy catch for England’s captain, Jos Buttler, at long-off. The moment Pandya was dismissed, he erupted in frustration—shouting and throwing his bat—symbolizing not just his personal disappointment but also the sinking hopes of an entire nation.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: England outsmart India in 3rd T20I to keep the series alive
Here’s the video:
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) January 28, 2025
Pandya’s tactical misstep
Pandya’s dismissal was further complicated by a tactical decision he made just prior. In the previous over, he denied Dhruv Jurel a single off the last ball to retain strike for the next over. While this strategy is often employed by batters looking to capitalize on favourable matchups, it backfired spectacularly for Pandya. Instead of building momentum, he ended up succumbing to pressure and losing his wicket on the very first ball of Overton’s over.
Critics were quick to label this decision as overconfidence or even arrogance, suggesting that Pandya underestimated the situation’s gravity. Former players and analysts pointed out that in T20 cricket, every ball counts, and taking unnecessary risks can lead to dire consequences.
England’s bowling prowess defeats India in 3rd T20I
While Pandya’s performance was under scrutiny, it is essential to acknowledge England’s bowlers’ exceptional display. Overton emerged as the standout performer with figures of 3 wickets for just 24 runs in four overs. His ability to adapt and change speeds effectively dismantled India’s batting lineup during crucial phases of the match. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse also contributed significantly by taking two wickets each, ensuring that India could never find their rhythm.
England’s disciplined bowling attack capitalized on India’s inability to rotate strikes effectively. The combination of tight lines and clever variations kept Indian batters under constant pressure, leading to regular wickets and ultimately sealing their victory by 26 runs.
