Cricket News India vs New Zealand 2023

‘Sala ganja lekar baitha hai kya be’ - Fans lash out at third umpire for controversial Hardik Pandya dismissal against NZ in 1st ODI

Here is how fans have reacted to the controversial decision regarding the dismissal of Hardik Pandya in the first ODI

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Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya (Image Source: Twitter)

Hardik Pandya Hardik Pandya (Image Source: Twitter)

Team India kicked off their three-match ODI series at home against New Zealand on 18 January 2023. The first match took place in Hyderabad. After winning the home ODI series against Sri Lanka, the Men in Blue were looking to win another series in the context of getting prepared for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Both KL Rahul and Axar Patel took a rest from this series due to family reasons. However, since the last ODI series, Hardik Pandya has become the new deputy of Rohit Sharma. The Indian all-rounder has been performing decently in the recent series. But, his batting contributions have not come significantly in recent matches. Hence, fans were hoping for a better all-around show from the star all-rounder. 

Hardik Pandya scored 28 runs off 38 balls in the first ODI against the Kiwis

Speaking of the match, Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first. For the home side, skipper Rohit and Shubman Gill came out to open the innings. However, Rohit Sharma scored 34 runs off 38 balls while Virat Kohli scored eight runs off 10 balls.  Suryakumar Yadav also failed to score big as he got out after scoring 31 runs off 26 balls. So, Hardik Pandya had the chance to score a big run for his team. But, he got out after scoring only 28 runs off 38 balls. But, the way he got out created controversy in this clash. The incident took place during the 40th over of team India’s innings. Pandya was batting while Daryl Mitchell was bowling. 

On the fourth delivery of that over, Hardik missed the ball and the bail came off despite the ball ending in the Kiwi wicketkeeper’s hands. On-field umpires sent the decision to the third umpire. He watched it from different angles. From the front angle, it seemed that that ball hit the stumps while ultra edge confirmed that there was no edge off the bat. But, from the side angle, it was clear that the ball did not hit the stumps. Meanwhile, it was Tom Latham’s gloves that hit the stumps. But, the third umpire surprised everyone when he gave Hardik Pandya out. Such a decision left New Zealand players stunned while the batter was absolutely fuming. Even, fans came out and lashed out at the third umpire for his poor decision. However, India finished with 349 runs for eight wickets in 50 overs, thanks to Shubman Gill’s 208 runs off 149 balls.

Here is how fans have slammed the third umpire for such a decision in the first ODI:

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