Following Hardik Pandya‘s six in the third T20I against West Indies on August 8, two classic videos of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have become internet sensations. Notably, Pandya’s match-winning six left Tilak Varma at 49*, unable to score his half-century. And, Pandya faced criticism from numerous fans on social media after smashing a six to guide India to victory in the Guyana match.
While chasing a target of 160, India stood at 158/3 during the 18th over delivered by Rovman Powell. Tilak Varma was just one run away from his half-century when Hardik Pandya powered a six-over long-off against his counterpart’s bowling.
Following Pandya’s choice to score the winning runs personally, even though his partner was at 49, two videos are gaining popularity on social media.
One video capturing a moment from the 2014 T20 World Cup semi-final between India and South Africa showcases Dhoni’s defensive shot that enabled Kohli, who had achieved a half-century, to secure the victory with his winning shot.
I am not a Dhoni admirer but Kohli was not in his 40s or 90s still he let Kohli to hit winning shot. But Pandya here proved that he was born Chhapri and will always be #chapri #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/I5vh8dav6L pic.twitter.com/Gm3B9YPlSd
— KABIR (@ImSGaraka) August 9, 2023
In the second clip, from an Indian Premier League match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders, Kohli blocks a delivery to allow Chris Gayle to achieve his century.
Everyone's talking about Hardik Pandya & how Dhoni let Virat score final runs –
Here's a throwback video –
When King Kohli π defended the ball, just to let Gayle score his maiden π― in IPL β€pic.twitter.com/eZCKQDKtYL
— π΅π° Muhammad Noor π΅π° (@Noor_Marriiii) August 8, 2023
In response to the videos, numerous Indian cricket enthusiasts criticized Pandya for what many regarded as a self-centred action.
βWe have to show we are readyβ – Hardik Pandya contemplates a decisive victory
Setting aside the discussion about the winning runs, India controlled the third T20I against West Indies. Opting to bowl first, they limited the hosts to 159/5 and then comfortably pursued the target.
Pandya added: “Very important (win). We spoke as a group that these three games will be exciting. Two losses or two wins does not change the long-term plans. We have to show we are ready when it comes to such (must-win) games.β
Regarding the team composition, he affirmed that India had opted to field a lineup with seven batsmen.
The Indian captain said: “As a group, we have decided to bat with seven batters and we have to take responsibility, like it happened today if the batters score runs then you don’t need someone at number eight.β
The final two matches of the five-game T20 series are scheduled to take place in Lauderhill, Florida, on August 12 and 13.
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