Harsha Bhogle comes in defence of Hardik Pandya

The 3rd T20 international between India and West Indies ended in a controversial fashion. Although the game was largely one sided in nature, Hardik Pandya hit a boundary with India requiring 2 to win off 14 balls. However on the non striker's end was Tilak Verma on 49, 1 run away from his 50. Many were puzzled that Hardik did not defend the ball as is the norm in cricket when the target is nearly achieved and a non striker’s milestone is also near completion.

Hardik Pandya had to bear the brunt of trolls. He was called selfish. His position as the captain of the T20 team was questioned. Some even pointed fingers at Rahul Dravid who had once declared when Sachin Tendulkar was not out at 194 against Pakistan.

However cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle came to the defence of Hardik Pandya. “I am puzzled by the discussion around Tilak Varma missing out on a 50. It isn't a landmark, in fact other than a century (which is rare), there are no landmarks in T20 cricket. We are far too obsessed with individual achievement within a team sport. I don't believe 50s should be recorded in individual stats in T20 cricket. If you have made enough runs quickly enough (avg and SR), that is all that matters,” he tweeted.