Parthiv Patel Critiques Pandya’s Slow Performance in India's Setback Against England in 3rd T20I
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Synopsis
Parthiv Patel criticized Hardik Pandya's slow innings during India's 26-run loss to England in the third T20I. Patel highlighted Pandya's struggle with fluency and the impact on the team's chase of a 172-run target. He emphasized the need for better scoring rotation to avoid pressure on other batters.
Key Takeaways
- Parthiv Patel raises concerns over Hardik Pandya’s slow innings.
- India lost by 26 runs to England in the third T20I.
- Pandya's approach led to a significant number of dot balls.
- Pressure on the batting unit increased due to Pandya's and Sundar's performances.
- India needs to reassess their batting strategies for upcoming matches.
New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has raised concerns regarding Hardik Pandya’s method during India’s 26-run defeat to England in the third T20I held here on Tuesday. Patel asserts that Pandya’s sluggish innings significantly contributed to India’s inability to chase down a target of 172. Early on, India found themselves in trouble at 48/3 in the Powerplay when Pandya came in to stabilize the innings. Yet, instead of keeping the scoreboard ticking, the Indian all-rounder found it challenging to find his rhythm, resulting in a considerable number of dot balls.
Though he tried to accelerate towards the end, hitting a few late sixes, his dismissal in the 19th over for 40 runs off 35 balls left India with too much to accomplish in the closing moments.
Patel, who was once Pandya’s teammate at Mumbai Indians, criticized the manner in which the all-rounder built his innings, especially noting the prolonged time he took to get settled.
During a discussion on Star Sports, Patel stated, “I thought that when you are taking your time, the aim is to acclimate to the pace and bounce of the pitch. However, taking 20-25 balls to settle in is not acceptable. That placed extra pressure on the other batters as well. If you prefer not to play those big shots, that’s fine, but you still need to keep rotating the strike. Playing three or four dot balls consecutively is not an option.”
The pressure on the Indian batting lineup was exacerbated by Washington Sundar’s lackluster innings of 6 runs off 15 balls. Patel highlighted that Pandya’s failure to rotate the strike not only hindered India’s momentum but also compelled other batters to take unnecessary risks. “While it may appear that Hardik Pandya scored 40 runs off 35 balls, the numerous dot balls in his innings also pressured the other batters. That’s something India should reflect on. Taking your time is acceptable, but even with a modest target, it is essential to keep the scoreboard progressing,” Patel added.
Even though Pandya ended as India’s leading scorer, the team found it challenging to mount a substantial challenge against England’s disciplined bowling unit. Patel’s remarks raise critical questions about India’s strategy in T20 chases, especially when a set batter cannot maintain the necessary scoring rate.
With the series still ongoing, India will need to reassess their batting tactics and make essential adjustments for the upcoming match.
