‘Hardik Pandya will have to answer about it’ – Ambati Rayudu slams all-rounder for his questionable tactics during third T20I in Rajkot

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has hit out at Hardik Pandya for his questionable tactics during the Rajkot T20I on Tuesday. Hardik declined a single in the final ball of the 18th over, with India needing 41 runs from 13 balls. Dhruv Jurel had set off for a run but was sent back by the veteran all-rounder. 

Rayudu was aghast with this move and speaking on Star Sports, the former India batter said, “How can you say no to a single? Dhruv Jurel is a recognised batter who can hit boundaries. What was the use of that step as Hardik was dismissed on the first ball of the next over?" To make matters worse, Pandya was out in the first ball of the next over for 40 runs off 35 balls caught by Jos Buttler to give Jamie Overton his third wicket. 

Speaking on Star Sports’ post-match show, Rayudu added, “It was not needed, and he should have trusted Jurel. Although Dhruv Jurel was sent at No. 8, he has shown in the past that he can hit the shots. It is not good and Hardik will have to answer about it” Team India lost the match by 26 runs, despite Varun Chakravarthy’s fifer. 

Parthiv Patel questions Hardik Pandya’s tactics during Rajkot T20I

Yet another former player who didn’t seem impressed with Pandya’s tactics was Parthiv Patel. The 40-year-old said during his chat on Star Sports, “I thought when you are taking your time, you want to get used to the pace and bounce of the pitch. But you cannot take 20–25 balls to get settled. So that put pressure on the other batters as well. If you don't want to play those big shots, that's okay, but you still have to keep on rotating the strike. You can't play three or four dot balls in a row."

Patel also said, “And you might just see Hardik Pandya scoring 40 off 34 balls, but there are a number of dots in his innings that put pressure on the other batters as well. So, I think that's something which India can think of. You take your time. Yes, it's a low score, but you still have to keep rotating the strike as well with it."

The series now moves to Pune, where the fourth game will be played on Friday before the final game in Mumbai on Sunday. Jos Buttler during the post-match interaction seemed happy as he said, “The guys bowled really well; it was nice to show off their skills. Not about how fast they can bowl, but how well they can adapt to the wicket. He's the most important player in our team, and we are fortunate to have Rashid in the team. He has all variations.”