Why didn't Hardik Pandya let Tilak Varma get his fifty? The stump mic may have the answer
HARDIK PANDYA CAUGHT some flak for "not letting" Tilak Varma get to a 50 during the third T20I between India and West Indies, but while out there, he did have some wise words for the youngster.
When Tilak was batting at 49, Pandya ended the game with a six; without relying on singles to give Tilak a chance to get a half century although there were enough deliveries remaining. But a stump mic conversation has revealed why he may have done that.
A few minutes ago, Pandya had told Tilak,
"You especially have to stay till the end, and finish it. Every ball makes a difference."
— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) August 9, 2023
It appears the youngster was having a difficult moment out there under pressure as he got close to his fifty. He had slowed down and Pandya might have noticed some lack of stability in his batting. So, without risking the young batter getting out, he chose to finish the match himself to make sure Tilak could walk back with the knowledge that he had successfully stayed there till the end, unbeaten.
Maybe the confidence Tilak will get from being a finisher in an international match will prove to be more valuable for him down the line than a half century.
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