It’s quite uncommon for a player to face negative comments after smashing a game-winning six. However, this unusual scenario unfolded for Hardik Pandya recently. During the match in Guyana, as India’s captain, he smashed a massive six off Rovman Powell’s bowling, securing a crucial victory for his team. The crowd witnessed this impressive shot, which turned the tables and secured the much-needed win for India.
Hardik faced criticism on social media. People accused him of preventing the younger player, Tilak Varma, from reaching a half-century, as Varma was at 49 not out on the opposite side. The fact that India secured a seven-wicket victory to remain competitive in the series was overlooked by many.
The main focus of users was to highlight that Hardik falls short in comparison to MS Dhoni. They emphasized that, in contrast, Dhoni had previously given Virat Kohli the opportunity to make the winning runs during a T20 World Cup match against South Africa.
While facing criticism, Hardik was caught on the stump mic having a notable conversation with his captain, Tilak. In this revealed exchange, Pandya encouraged Varma to complete the game.
At that moment, Tilak was at the crease, having scored 44 runs from 32 balls. India required 12 runs from 23 balls.
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Hardik mentioned, “Tereko, especially khatam karna hai, rukna hai. Gendo ka fark padta hai (You have to stay there and finish the game. The number of balls faced makes a difference.”
Clearly, Hardik’s intention was for Tilak to make the final winning runs. However, he likely had to change his plan when the left-handed batter managed to score five runs from the following five balls.
At that point, Hardik was at a score of 12 runs from 12 balls. Seizing an opportunity with a slower ball that suited his style, Pandya took a powerful swing and launched the ball high over the long-on boundary.