Confusion in the Indian dugout as Hardik Pandya replaces Rishabh Pant in the Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka. During India’s innings against Sri Lanka, Hardik Pandya sent to bat above Rishabh Pant in an unexpected move.
India is on the verge of being eliminate from the Asia Cup after losses to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super 4 stage. Sri Lanka defeated India by six wickets on Tuesday in Dubai, ensuring their place in the final. The Indian batting lineup struggled against the Lankan bowlers, with Rohit Sharma’s 41-ball 72 being the highlight. With the exception of Rohit, only Suryakumar Yadav made a significant contribution, scoring 34 off 29. The team’s management also changed the batting order slightly, sending Hardik Pandya out ahead of Rishabh Pant, who usually bats ahead of the all-rounder.
As India’s third wicket fell, Pant getting ready to bat. He and Hardik also told that the latter to go first.
Also Visit: Jasprit Bumrah is the most flexible bowler in all formats: Ricky Ponting
Asia Cup: Confusion in the Indian dugout as Hardik Pandya replaces Rishabh Pant
Hardik confirm if he need to go out, there appear to be some confusion. Pant then sat down while Hardik put on his helmet.
The extent to which the switch-up aided India is debatable, as both batters went on to record identical scores of 17 off 13 deliveries.
Moreover, After being put in to bat by Sri Lanka, India score 173/8 in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka got off to a fast start in their chase, with their openers putting on a 97-run stand to effectively end India’s innings.
Pathum Nissanka hit 52 off 37 balls, while Kusal Mendis hit 57 off 37 deliveries.
Nissanka’s wicket triggered a mini-collapse for Sri Lanka, as they lost four wickets in 13 runs, but captain Dasun Shanaka and veteran Bhanuka Rajapaksa guided them home with a delivery to spare and no further wickets added to the tally.
Shanaka scored 33 off 18 balls and Rajapaksa made 25 off 17. They put on 64 runs for the fifth wicket.
Also Read: Suresh Raina is leaving the IPL to play in overseas T20 leagues.