WI vs IND: [WATCH] India All-rounder’s Unusual Run-Out Against West Indies Triggers A Social Media Debate

Veteran India all-rounder Hardik Pandya‘s run-out in the first ODI between India and West Indies led to intense debate on social media. Ishan Kishan hit the ball back to bowler Yannic Cariah, but he couldn’t complete the catch. However, the ball deflected off Cariah’s hands and dislodged the bails at the non-striker’s end while Pandya was outside his crease.

Although replays clearly indicated that Pandya’s bat was in the air when the bails were disturbed, many fans on social media argued that he should have been given not out according to the new rules. They pointed out that the bat had been grounded and only bounced after Pandya attempted to return to the crease. Despite these observations, the third umpire’s decision favoured West Indies.

In the opening ODI at Barbados’ Kensington Oval, India displayed their dominance as left-arm spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja orchestrated a comprehensive defeat of the West Indies. Following their 1-0 loss in the preceding two-Test series, the home team found themselves crumbling for a mere 114 runs off 23 overs after being put into bat.

Their struggles, particularly against Kuldeep Yadav’s crafty wrist spin, left them completely bewildered. The target posed no significant challenge for India, thanks to Ishan Kishan’s stable batting performance of 52 runs.

The dismissal of Hardik Pandya has sparked discussions on social media

☝️dismissed by a whisker🤏#Windies secure the big wicket of #HardikPandya 🫤

Keep watching #WIvIND – LIVE & FREE on #JioCinema in 11 languages ✨

#SabJawaabMilenge pic.twitter.com/00TiGVvFhs

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) July 27, 2023

Hardik Pandya should not have been given out basis new run out rules. His bat was grounded in crease before going in air#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/tqgEkC9xQL

— Slayer  (@pervy_slayer_) July 27, 2023

@BCCI @bhogleharsha @ImRo45 @imVkohli @hardikpandya7 hardik should not have been given out basis new run out rules. His bat was grounded in crease before going in air. pic.twitter.com/A59p1POIN9

— Ashish (@ashishkds) July 27, 2023

Despite losing three wickets towards the end of the chase, India secured a comfortable five-wicket victory. The result showcased India’s strong grip on the match and proved to be a promising start to the three-match ODI series.

The match also presented an opportunity for younger batting prospects to audition for a place in the squad for the upcoming World Cup. Notably, regular captain Virat Kohli did not feature in the lineup, and Rohit Sharma made an appearance only after the fall of the fifth wicket.

The contentious run-out decision of Hardik Pandya stirred intense discussions on social media platforms, with fans expressing opposing views on whether the batsman should have been given not out. While some believed the third umpire’s decision was erroneous, others supported the on-field call, accepting the dismissal as legitimate.

As the ODI series progresses, both teams will aim to fine-tune their strategies and assess the performances of their players ahead of the much-anticipated World Cup. India’s convincing victory in the first match highlights their prowess in both batting and bowling departments, instilling confidence in the team’s abilities.

Meanwhile, West Indies will look to regroup and find ways to counter India’s spin duo as they strive to make a strong comeback in the series.

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