Presently, the cricket community finds itself in a split due to the ongoing debate on social media about Hardik Pandya’s alleged prevention of Tilak Varma’s fifty. Notably, the highly-regarded commentator and analyst, Harsha Bhogle, has subtly expressed his backing for Hardik Pandya in a recent tweet.
This incident occurred during the third T20I match between India and the West Indies in Guyana. India was comfortably positioned to secure victory, needing just two runs to win with 14 balls remaining.
Tilak Varma and Surya Kumar Yadav orchestrated the chase with exceptional and responsible performances. Surya contributed 83 runs from 44 balls before getting out in the 13th over. Meanwhile, Varma, stationed at the non-striker’s end, had an unbeaten 49 runs off 37 balls.
The anticipation was that Hardik, facing the bowler, would allow Varma to reach his fifty, especially considering it was just his third international match. However, contrary to expectations, the captain powered the ball down the ground for a six over long off, securing the victory. Consequently, the 20-year-old Varma remained on 49 runs, missing out on his second T20I half-century.
Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle took to Twitter to express his view that a fifty in a T20 match should not be considered a significant milestone. According to him, T20 cricket only recognizes centuries as true landmarks, and he highlighted the excessive focus on individual accomplishments within a team-oriented sport. Bhogle opined that 50s shouldn’t be included in individual statistics for T20s, emphasizing that the most crucial factor is a player’s ability to score runs at the necessary pace.
I am puzzled by the discussion around Tilak Varma missing out on a 50. It isn't a landmark, in fact other than a century (which is rare), there are no landmarks in T20 cricket. We are far too obsessed with individual achievement within a team sport. I don't believe 50s should be…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 10, 2023