In the final over of the Hamilton T20I, India needed 16 to win the game with Dinesh Karthik and Krunal Pandya at the crease. Karthik, who was on strike, scored two runs off the first two balls; leaving the equation to 14 off four deliveries. On the third ball, he hit it straight but didn’t run a single, asking Krunal to return who had come running towards the striker’s end by that time. Everyone was stunned with such a call, as India was in dire need of runs. Eventually, the visitors fell short of the target by four runs. However, the fans on Twitter bashed DK for his selfish act; with a few of them even comparing him to a similar kind of action done by MS Dhoni in the past.
When DK did an MSD in Hamilton
Karthik’s plan to not run brought old memories of MS Dhoni denying Ambati Rayudu a single in a familiar situation. It was a T20I match against England in Edgbaston in 2014 when Dhoni, then India’s captain; not once but twice asked Ambati Rayudu to return, as India needed 17 off the last over. Meanwhile, on both the occasions India finished second in the match.
Though Dinesh Karthik was on camera apologising to Krunal after he had hit the last ball for a six, the Twitter didn’t spare him.
Now contrary to what happened, had DK ran that run, who knows the elder Pandya could spoil NZ’s party. Even before that particular over, the pair had hit boundaries at will and got India close to a thrilling win. Karthik was on 24 off 11 balls while Krunal Pandya was on 25 off 12 balls before Southee bowled the final over.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Dinesh Karthik’s selfish act in Hamilton T20I –
Lot of talk about Karthik turning down the single like Dhoni used to. He was in great touch, was backing himself. In the heat of the moment you do things by instinct. He will realise he should have taken it given Pandya was hitting well. Not sure would've made a difference though
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 10, 2019
Absolutely bizarre what happened on 3rd ball of the last over. Even if Karthik wanted to remain on strike, he should have run for 2. Krunal almost ran 2 there. No fucking communication about how to approach last 6 balls. What a mess! #indvnz
— LOLendra Singh (@LOLendraSingh) February 10, 2019
Why didn't Karthik take that single? Does he think he is Dhoni?
— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) February 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/maverickmonger/status/1094544067759812608
Dinesh Karthik is clearly not a fan of Salman Khan. He doesn't believe in Hit and Run.#INDvNZ
— Vishcomical (@vishcomical) February 10, 2019
Mr. Dinesh Karthik you are not MS DHONI to deny a single and then finish with sixes. You might have done it once but you can't do it every time like MS does… #INDvsNZt20
— bastele jhakday (@Vakeelsab) February 10, 2019
I know people would be mad, but be honest….14 off 3 needed, who would you rather want to be on strike? Karthik has chased similar scores in the past. I think he genuinely believed he could pull it off. #INDvsNZt20 #NZvIND #INDvNZ
— Elixir Of Azazel (@vyatikram188) February 10, 2019
I know there will be criticism over @DineshKarthik's call to refuse the single there, but i'm very sure him over Pandya was the right call.If anybody in this Indian side can win a last over/ball game it is Karthik.#NZvInd
— Siddharth Mishra (@Mirror_ur_self) February 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/StarkAditya/status/1094543088557580288
Dinesh Karthik is like that student who gets the highest marks in Maths but fails in Environmental Science. #NZvInd
— Bade Chote (@badechote) February 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/FaixFaizan/status/1094540697854771206
Confidence is good but Overconfidence is harmful!
Karthik should take that single!
Maybe we could win this game!
Krunal Pandya was in good touch!A great journey finally ends with a great fight!
Well played Team India!
Everyone is looking very charged up for WC.#INDvsNZt20— Anit Ghosh (@Indianit07) February 10, 2019
When Karthik refused single to Krunal. #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/SREDt5eoHk
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) February 10, 2019
