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AB de Villiers Pleased as Harsha Bhogle Downplays Pandya-Tilak Controversy

image-ll5jxhmtTilak Varma and Hardik Pandya shaking hands with WI players. (Twitter)

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has aligned with the perspective of respected commentator Harsha Bhogle concerning the excessive fixation on individual achievements in T20I cricket. 

Bhogle conveyed his stance on August 10, addressing the recent stir triggered by Hardik Pandya's match-winning six during the 3rd T20I against West Indies on August 8. Pandya's decisive shot left young talent Tilak Varma stranded on the precipice of a half-century.

The near-miss of a fifty by Tilak Varma in India's third T20I against West Indies has spurred discussions within the cricketing community. The emerging player concluded his innings at an unbeaten 49 runs, as Captain Hardik Pandya secured victory with a commanding six over long-off. 

This move by Hardik has incited criticism for withholding an opportunity for the young talent to claim a potential second international fifty, leading fans to express their dissatisfaction on social media platforms.

In addition to the fan reaction, former India opener Aakash Chopra also expressed surprise at Hardik Pandya's strategic six when the chase still had 2.1 overs left. Chopra, however, surmised that Hardik's maneuver might serve as a symbolic gesture, reflecting the team's ethos and Hardik's vision for its evolution in the realm of T20Is.

"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 recorded in individual stats in T20 cricket. If you have made enough runs quickly enough (avg and SR), that is all that matters,"  Harsha Bhogle said in a tweet.

ABD responded to Harsha's tweet, expressing support for his viewpoint on the discussion surrounding 'Tilak Varma missing 50'.

"Thank you thank you thank you. Finally, someone says it!"  AB de Villiers replied.

India clinched a seven-wicket triumph against the West Indies in the third T20I, keeping their hopes alive in the ongoing five-match series. Nevertheless, the victory was marred by the dispute arising from Pandya's choice to prevent Tilak from achieving his second fifty of the series.