Team India had a disappointing start to the five-match T20I series as they lost the series opener by four runs against West Indies. It was a shocking performance, especially from the batters who failed to reach the 150-run target in 20 overs and fell short by four runs. No big partnership was built and wickets were falling in a regular interval.
Hence, the Windies bowlers held their nerves and managed a four-run victory. But, after the match, during the post-match presentation, the Team India skipper, Hardik Pandya was seen defending his young team. Many young players were in the lineup including two debutants, Tilak Varma (International debut) and Mukesh Kumar (it was his T20I debut, debut in other two formats already came during this tour). But, fans were not happy and slammed him brutally on social media.
“A young team will make mistakes.” - Hardik Pandya
He said: "We were right in the chase. We made some errors which cost us, but it is fine. A young team will make mistakes. Throughout the game, we were in control. I have always believed that in T20 cricket, if you lose wickets, it becomes difficult to chase down a total. When we lost a couple of wickets
India’s bowlers did well to restrict the home side to 149 runs after taking six wickets in 20 overs. But, the batters failed miserably despite all of them doing so well in the IPL in recent years. Hardik Pandya also failed to perform as he scored just 19 runs off 19 balls. With the ball, he took one wicket for 27 runs in four overs. But, now, along with the skipper, the team will look to make a comeback in the second game of the series on 6 August.
Here is how fans have slammed:
I defer
— Bibek Terang (@TerangBibek) August 4, 2023
He is 30 he should take responsibility
— Lazy Elegance🥹 (@Ekans123456) August 3, 2023
Isne khud kari hai mistake young player Tilak to acha khela 🤣🤷🏼♂️
— DRP 🇮🇳 (@its_DRP) August 3, 2023
He's Unique
— 𝕏ʙнɪ 🐧 (@_Adolf_Rizzler1) August 3, 2023
What a pointless statement this man made!
— dotΞxe (@dotexe786) August 3, 2023
Ye young hai to Gill aur Ishan kya hain 😂
— 𝑴𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒎𝒃𝒐 (@Mogemmbo) August 4, 2023
150 run nahi ban rahe, kya IPL me 220 240 run banake khush hote hain
— vaibhav sharma (@SharmaBits) August 3, 2023
We can make 2 teams and win any tournament 🤣🤣
— Sultan Khan (@MainHoonSultan7) August 3, 2023
He need 7 stars hotels in West Indies
— Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) August 3, 2023