IND vs ENG 2025: PARTIV Patel Slams Hardik Pandya for Having Settled for Too Long during T20I in Rajkot
The Indian cricket team’s T20I series against England has been a thrilling affair, with both teams trading blows and putting on a display of exhilarating cricket. The fourth match of the series, played in Rajkot, was no different, with India coming out on top by 16 runs. However, the game was marred by a controversy surrounding Hardik Pandya’s decision to settle for too long, which drew criticism from none other than Pandya’s teammate, PARTIV Patel.
The latter made no secret of his disappointment with Pandya’s approach, stating, "I think Hardik should have batted more aggressively and taken the attack to the English bowlers. He had some bright moments, but overall, I felt he was too defensive and allowed the opposition to put pressure on us."
Pandya, who was part of a disappointing Indian top-order batting collapse, managed to score just 23 runs off 21 balls, creeping to the crease cautiously and taking too much time to get set. His defensive approach allowed the English bowlers to dictate the pace of the game, and by the time he was out, the Indian innings had lost momentum.
In contrast, other Indian batters, such as Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, played with a sense of freedom and aggression, taking the attack to the English bowlers. This contrast highlighted the lack of intent displayed by Pandya, which drew severe criticism from Patel.
"I think Hardik has the ability to play some serious cricket when he wants to. He’s a fantastic all-rounder, and we all know that. But in this particular game, I felt he missed his shot. He should have taken the initiative and made the English bowlers work. Unfortunately, he allowed them too much control, and the result was we were unable to build a strong partnership," Patel lamented.
Pandya’s defensive approach is a departure from his usual aggressive style, which has often been the turning point in India’s matches. His inability to adapt to the situation and play with the flair he is capable of played a significant role in India’s defeat.
While Pandya’s performance was disappointing, it is hoped that he will learn from his mistakes and return to form in the next match. A more aggressive approach would be essential to give India the boost they need to close the series. As for Patel, his words of wisdom will be taken into consideration by Pandya and the rest of the team, helping them to bounce back stronger in the next encounter.
In the end, the focus will shift to the next match, where India will look to outdo England and level the series. With the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni waiting in the wings, the Indian team has the firepower to turn things around. Let’s hope that Pandya takes Patel’s words to heart and plays with the aggression and intent that Indian cricket fans expect from him.
