Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was the subject of much scrutiny after he had dropped a dolly of a catch offered by Ben Stokes as England chased 330 to win in the series-deciding third ODI between India and England at Pune on March 28, 2021.
Ben Stokes had smashed the Indian bowlers in the second ODI making 99 while hitting 10 sixes. England had won that game easily chasing down 337 runs and leveling the series 1-1. Therefore, when Indian bowlers got the England openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow out for cheap, England was dependent on Ben Stokes to give them momentum in the chase.
However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar induced a false shot from Ben Stokes in the fifth over of England chase and the ball ballooned to Hardik Pandya at mid-off. But he dropped a sitter sending every Indian player on and off the field in shock.
Ben Stokes then made 35 runs before hitting a full-toss from T Natarajan straight into the hands of Shikhar Dhawan, who was fielding at deep mid-wicket in the 11th over.
This led to Hardik Pandya bowing down to Shikhar Dhawan for catching the ball and sending Ben Stokes back without him doing much damage.
Here is the video:
