For the first time ever, Team India went down in back-to-back T20I games against West Indies in a bilateral series. The Hardik Pandya-led side, that supposedly began their preparations for the T20 World Cup next year, lost the first match of the five-game series by 4 runs while failing to chase down 152 and then incurred a two-wicket loss while failing to defend 152 last week. Amid the consecutive losses and India standing on the brink of a 17-year low, captain Hardik and head coach Rahul Dravid have been immensely criticised for the selection calls and team strategy.
But a former India fast bowler has jumped to Dravid's defence while pointing fingers at Hardik for the two defeats. If the team management is credited for a win, they are lashed out at in case of a defeat. That has always been the case given that the management, comprising of the coaching staff, the captain, the deputy and a few senior players, decides on the gameplan and the strategies for a tour or for each match.
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However, former cricketer Dodda Ganesh believes that India's defeat was down to on-field calls by captain Hardik rather than the pre-decided tactics involving Dravid. Hence, he lambasted critics for blaming the India legend for the two defeats.
“Stop admonishing Rahul Dravid for every damn thing. He had no role in the captain juggling his bowlers today. Of late, Rahul has become a soft target only because he doesn’t say much in the media #DoddaMathu #CricketTwitter #WIvIND,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}“Stop admonishing Rahul Dravid for every damn thing. He had no role in the captain juggling his bowlers today. Of late, Rahul has become a soft target only because he doesn’t say much in the media #DoddaMathu #CricketTwitter #WIvIND,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}Where did Hardik Pandya go wrong?
India had magnificently pulled themselves back in the game after Mukesh Kumar had ended Nicholas Pooran's counter-attacking knock of 67 runs in the 14th over. An over later, Yuzvendra Chahal left West Indies wounded as he picked two wickets - Shimron Hetmyer and Jason Holder - while Romario Sepherd was dismissed run out in the first ball of the over.
Although, West Indies, eight down, required 23 off 24 thereafter with Akeal Hosein as their last batting down, with Chahal still having an over left, it looked an improbable target. India were certain of a series-levelling win. But instead of going back to Chahal for the 18th or the 19th over, Hardik stuck with the pacers which cost them the match. The hosts held their nerves to complete the chase with seven balls to spare.