After the conclusion of the ODI series against Sri Lanka, India's ODI World Cup preparations will see them take on New Zealand in home conditions. The Men in Blue will lock horns with the BlackCaps in a three-match ODI series the first of which is already underway at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
While much of the limelight was on Shubman Gill during India's batting inning as the right-handed batter scored a sensational hundred and steered the team to a formidable total, a decision by the third umpire during the latter half of the Indian innings has stunned everyone who witnessed it unfolding.
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya became the victim of a contentious third-umpire decision as he was given out bowled after replays showed that the bails were dislodged only after the ball came off the wicketkeeper's gloves. There was a lot of confusion over the decision but ultimately Hardik had to take the long walk back to the pavilion.
Mitchell lucky to get this wicket
It all unfolded in the 40th over of the innings which was being bowled by Daryl Mitchell who had returned for his second spell with this over after conceding 25 runs for a wicket in his first 4 overs.
Following Hardik's bizarre dismissal, social media has been flooded with all kinds of reactions and memes.
"Unlucky Hardik Pandya," wrote one user.
"How is this even OUT!! @ICC #INDvsNZ #HardikPandya," wrote another.
"That's not out. What a rubbish decision.. Poor Umpiring.. Hardik Pandya. #INDvsNZ #HardikPandya #INDvNZ," yet another user wrote on social media.
"When you're having a bad day 🙂👀 #HardikPandya," someone tweeted. "Hardik Pandya was not out here. Ball didn't even touch the stumps. Poor umpiring...," another comment on social media read.