File photo of Hardik Pandya© BCCI
Team India lost the first T20 match of the three-match series against New Zealand in Ranchi on Friday. After a 3–0 clean sweep in the ODIs, India failed to carry the momentum as the Kiwis won the match by 21 runs and took a 1–0 lead in the series. After India’s defeat, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria criticized skipper Hardik Pandya, saying the star all-rounder struggled tactically. Kaneria said that Hardik failed to rotate his bowlers smartly, adding that there was no plan for the latter.
“Hardik Pandya was not smart with the rotation of his bowlers. He brought Shivam Mavi into the attack too late. He should have been brought in earlier. He could have used Deepak Hooda a bit more too, considering the amount on offer. This is where Hardik missed a move or two tactically. It seems he didn’t have a plan.” Kaneria said on his YouTube channel.
Kaneria also questioned Hardik’s role as a bowler and said that he did not bowl well with the new ball.
“Indian bowlers conceded too many runs. Hardik Pandya didn’t bowl well with the new ball. He didn’t hit the right areas and gave away 33 runs in his three overs,” he added.
For New Zealand, opener Devon Conway scored 52 off 35 balls and Derry Mitchell scored an unbeaten 59, helping the Kiwis post 176/6 after being invited to bat first in Ranchi.
In reply, India were restricted to 155/9, with Washington Sundar scoring a half-century.
Sundar dropped three catches to reach his 28-ball 50 after Suryakumar Yadav (47) and Hardik Pandya (21) shared a 68-run partnership.
(with AFP inputs)
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