In the first ODI against India, West Indies were only able to set a meagre target of 115, while the Indian batters were given the complete liberty to bat, senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma decided to go down the order to give an opportunity to young talents to prep up for the upcoming ODI World Cup which is just two months away. However, Ishan Kishan successfully managed to score 52 runs in 46 balls, when no other batter showed up. During the bizarre turn of events while chasing Kishan was fortunate enough to be saved but it came at the cost of Hardik Pandya’s wicket.
Ishan attempted to field spinner Yannic Cariah's fuller delivery on the opening ball of the 14th over, but was unsuccessful and hammered back to the bowler. Ishan was on 34 off 30 when Cariah attempted to complete the dismissal, but the ball slipped from his hands and landed on the stumps of the non-striker. The Windies side lodged a mild appeal because they believed Hardik, who was at the non-striker's end, had returned in time. However, the umpire decided to review the play.
The replay revealed that Pandya had fallen a bit short as the bat was just a few millimeters above the ground as he made his way back to the crease when the ball struck the stumps. Even though Ishan survived, Pandya’s innings came to an unlucky end.
Hardik Pandya’s dismissal sparked a debate on social media
Fans on social media felt that Pandya should have been declared not out in accordance with the new regulations, even though replays clearly proved that his bat was in the air when the bails were removed. The users drew attention to the fact that when he attempted to return to the crease, the bat bounced because it was grounded. The third umpire, who rendered a ruling in favor of the West Indies, made no such observation.
One of the users tweeted, “Hardik Pandya should not have been given out basis new run out rules. His bat was grounded in crease before going in air.”
While other questioned the decision posting about he Run-out rule that was recently changed: “@BCCI @bhogleharsha @ImRo45 @imVkohli @hardikpandya7 Hardik should not have been given out basis new run out rules. His bat was grounded in crease before going in air.” He spoke.
A look through the first ODI
In the inaugural One-Day International of a three-match series at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Thursday, left-arm spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja led India to a five-wicket victory with more than 27 overs remaining.
The host team, who had already lost the previous two Test series also lost the first ODI match by 1-0, they were dismissed for just 114 from 23 overs after being put in as they were entirely unable to handle the variations provided by Yadav's wrist-spin.
Further Kishan’s incredible knock of 52 runs strengthened India’s position and led the team towards victory. India will play their second ODI match against West Indies on Saturday at the same venue, Kensington Oval before wrapping up the series on Tuesday. The final match of the series will be held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando.