In a tense chase against Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya supported Tilak Varma’s decision to not run for a single, despite talks amongst the cricketing fraternity.
In a close encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the Gujarat Titans (GT) edged past the Mumbai Indians (MI) by just six runs. MI, chasing a target of 169, was in a precarious position during the run chase, needing quick runs. However, a decision by young batter Tilak Varma raised eyebrows.
While batting alongside Tim David in the 17th over, with Rashid Khan bowling, Tilak Varma opted to deny a single. Therefore, David, who is particularly known for his big-hitting abilities, was off the strike. Cricket experts and commentators were left questioning the logic behind this move, especially considering the situation where the team needed to hit big shots.
However, MI skipper Hardik Pandya backed Varma’s decision during the post-match presentation. When asked by Sunil Gavaskar about the incident, Pandya offered a firm response. “I think Tilak felt that that was a better idea at that point in time; I completely back him. Not an issue, 13 games to go,” Pandya said.
Pandya’s backing of Varma significantly highlighted the trust he has placed in his young teammate. Despite being young, Hardik respected Tilak’s gut instinct. While the move made by Varma might not have paid off this time, Pandya’s unwavering support could prove crucial in boosting Varma’s confidence for upcoming matches.
While Shubman Gill and Co. had a stellar IPL opener by defeating Mumbai, skipper Pandya treated the loss optimistically. “We backed ourselves up to chase those 42 runs, but it was one of those days when we saw the score quite low compared to what it could have been in five overs. I think we lost a little bit of momentum there. It feels good to be back because this is one stadium where you can enjoy and feel the atmosphere quite lively, and obviously the crowd was full and they got a good game as well,” Pandya concluded.
Last Updated on March 25, 2024
