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'Apne Liye Khele,' Ex-PAK Player Blames Hardik Pandya's Selfish Knock For India's Defeat Vs SA

Sakshi Sharma

Hardik Pandya vs SA in second T20I (Source:@toisports/x.com)Hardik Pandya vs SA in second T20I (Source:@toisports/x.com)

In India's ongoing T20I series against South Africa, the Men in Blue faced a close defeat in the second T20I on Sunday at St. George's Park. For South Africa, Tristan Stubbs played a match-winning knock and sealed a three-wicket win for the hosts. 

The focus, however, after India's defeat shifted off the field as former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali took a brutal dig on all-rounder Hardik Pandya for not playing as per the situation of the match. He termed his knock as a 'selfish' innings.

India’s top order crumbled, leaving the visitors with a sub-par total of 124/6. In form, Sanju Samson could not continue his batting prowess of the last match and was dismissed for a duck. On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav also failed to make a significant impact with the bat. Tilak Varma and Axar Patel played crucial knocks and tried to stabilize the innings. In the end, Pandya scored 39* off 45 balls.

Basit Ali Slams Hardik's Approach In The 2nd T20I 

However, Hardik Pandya's innings, came under heavy criticism due to his sluggish strike rate. Basit Ali, criticised his approach, and accused him of prioritizing personal milestones over the team's needs.

"Pandya saab not out rahe, 39 from 45 balls, total apne liye khele (Pandya remained unbeaten, played for himself)," said Basit on his YouTube channel. Apne liye kyu khele? Mujhe lagta hai IPL ki taiyari kar rahe hain Mumbai Indians ke liye (why he played for himself? I think he is preparing for Mumbai Indians and IPL). 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali did not mince words as he highlighted Hardik Pandya’s performance in the second T20I. He also added and pointed out Hardik's decision to hog the strike in the final overs, especially given that India still had four wickets in hand. 

"India were not nine down that he was denying singles; they were just six down. He should have taken the singles. But he is a big player, and India's favourite.  Axar batted better than him, who unfortunately got run out after scoring 27 runs off 21 balls." He added. 

However it is worth mentioning that, India’s bowlers put up a valiant fight while defending the low total. Leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy produced a sensational spell, as he took 5 wickets, which almost turned the game in India’s favour. 

With the win, South Africa levelled the four-match T20I series at 1-1. The focus will now shift to to the third T20I, where both teams will look to gain the upper hand.