Deep Dasgupta - Aakash Chopra embroiled in war of words over Dinesh Karthik's no-running fiasco
Aakash Chopra involved himself in a Twitter banter with his former teammate Deep Dasgupta as they had a difference of opinions on Dinesh Karthikās action in the third T20I against New Zealand. Karthik had declined Krunal Pandya a single in the last over which turned decisive in the eventual result.
Indiaās long tour of the southern hemisphere ended in heartbreak as they succumbed to a 2-1 loss in the T20I series against New Zealand as they ended up losing the final game by a narrow margin of four runs. The visitors looked to be in a tough spot before middle-order players, Dinesh Karthik and Krunal Pandya started hitting the ball all around the park and got Rohit Sharma-led India back in the game.Ā
India needed 16 runs off the last six deliveries in the second innings and Tim Southee seemed up to the task. After a double off the first delivery and dot on the second, Karthik refused to take a single off the third delivery after hitting the ball to long-on as he backed himself to see through the game for the visitors. However, the Chennai-born batsman could only sneak a single off the next ball getting Pandya back on strike. With 13 required off two, Pandya could only manage another single before Karthik hit a six off the final ball to reduce the margin of the loss.Ā
While many had mixed reactions on Karthikās actions, former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta defended the KKR skipper and praised his never-say-die attitude.
That's his job now, to finish games . I would have been upset had he taken the single. That would be shirking his responsibility, glad he didn't. You win some and you lose some but attitude is what matters. https://t.co/W5NH7UCcjY
ā Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) February 14, 2019
However,
Really? Considering how cleanly Krunal was striking at the other end? Then why take a single off the following ball?? That was a bit of a brain-fade moment in my humble opinion, mate. Not that it wouldāve changed the outcome but āthatā single shouldāve been taken.
ā Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 14, 2019
Another user spoke out in favour of Dasgupta, citing Karthik had enough reason to back himself in that tough situation.
He took a single because the equation would come down to 13 off 2 and there was a chance of a Super Over. No brain-fade moment that. Karthik was well aware of what he was doing.
ā Akshay.N.Maanay (@akshaymaanay) February 14, 2019
However, Chopra hit back with another rant stating that Krunal Pandya had in it him to lead India to a win in that tough situation.
Really? Got one run off two balls himself...expecting Krunal to hit two sixes to tie the game. Thatās faith of a different level. But the same faith shouldāve ensured not denying a single.
ā Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 14, 2019
