An old video of a touching gesture by Dhoni towards Kohli has resurfaced, gaining viral attention, especially after an incident involving Hardik Pandya denying Tilak Varma a chance to reach his half-century. This incident brings to mind a similar moment in 2014, when former Indian captain MS Dhoni intentionally blocked the last ball to give Virat Kohli the opportunity to finish a crucial match against South Africa during the T20 World Cup semifinal.
The recent match saw a significant turn for the Indian cricket team, who had lost the first two T20Is in a five-match series. Skipper Hardik Pandya led his team to a triumphant victory by hitting the winning runs, securing a seven-wicket win. This victory narrowed the series gap to 1-2.
Suryakumar Yadav showcased his brilliance during his innings, scoring 83 off 44 balls. However, the conclusion of the match took a controversial twist when Hardik Pandya chose to hit a six off Roman Powell in the 18th over, leaving Tilak Varma stranded at the non-striker’s end. This action of Pandya garnered criticism from fans and evoked memories of the 2014 incident involving Dhoni and Kohli.
The incident in question occurred on August 8, Tuesday, and it sparked strong reactions from fans. Many expressed their disappointment, labeling Pandya’s gesture as “pathetic and shameless,” while others openly criticized the skipper for his decision.
Watch Pandya’s Move Reignites Memories of Mahirat Video:
When MS Dhoni let Virat Kohli lay the finishing touch 📹
Revisit the sweet gesture by captain Dhoni from the 2014 T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/EKcWsCh9r1
— ICC (@ICC) December 23, 2020
Could have easily given the strike to Tilak to allow him to score his 2nd fifty in just 3 innings.. BUT NO!! He is HarDICK!!#IndiavsWI #TilakVarma #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/Av5jk5O3CT
— MEMESwal (@Memeswal_) August 8, 2023
Ashwin was Right when he said that at present, the teammates in Indian Cricket Team are just like colleagues…. in competition to one another. #HardikPandya today proved that point.#WIvsIND #TilakVarma pic.twitter.com/WNy9bDUAIk
— Bhuvanesh Sharma (@bhuvanhere) August 8, 2023
Turning to the details of the match itself, West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first, managing to post a total of 159/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Brandon King emerged as the top scorer for the West Indies side, contributing 42 runs off 42 balls. However, Suryakumar Yadav’s exceptional knock and an unbeaten 49 from Tilak Varma guided the Indian team to victory.
The teams are set to face each other once again in the fourth T20I, scheduled for August 12 at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill.