Indian captain Virat Kohli, vice-captain Rohit Sharma and the whole Indian team in the dugout was in for a shock as all-rounder Hardik Pandya dropped a sitter of a catch by Ben Stokes during the third ODI between India and England being played at the MCA stadium in Pune on March 28, 2021.

India had batted first after Virat Kohli lost the toss, his third in the series. India had a decent start from their openers, Shikhar Dhawan (67) and Rohit Sharma (37) added 103 runs. Rishabh Pant (78), Hardik Pandya (64), and Shardul Thakur (30), along with Krunal Pandya (25) made valuable contributions as India made 329 in 50 overs.

Mark Wood with 3/34 and Adil Rashid (2/81) were the best bowlers from the England side.

IND v ENG 2021: "Rishabh Pant and I got out at the wrong time," says Hardik Pandya

In reply, England lost their openers early with Jason Roy making 14 and Jonny Bairstow making 1. India could also have had Ben Stokes for cheap, only for Hardik Pandya to gift him a life.

It happened in the 5th over of England’s chase when a Bhuvneshwar Kumar knuckle ball fooled Ben Stokes, who went ahead with his shot early and ended up spooning it. Hardik Pandya stationed at mid-off got under the ball and looked comfortable to complete the catch but somehow the ball popped out of his hands.

Hardik himself couldn’t believe it as he had his hands on his head immediately. However, more noticeable were the reactions from the rest of the Indian cricketers.

Virat Kohli who was running perhaps to celebrate could not believe his eyes. The bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar had disappointment written all over his face. India ODI vice-captain Rohit Sharma covered his face and fell to the ground in disbelief.

The Indian contingent in the dugout was also disappointed with bowling coach Bharat Arun, reserves Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj all had their hands on their heads.

Here is the video of their reactions after Hardik Pandya dropped Ben Stokes’ catch: