There has been a lot of fuss about bowlers running the batter out while taking an unfair advantage at the non-striker’s end. The recent dismissal of some batters has opened a serious debate on the issue and the general view seems to have shifted on the bowlers’ side.
Most seem to be in favour of the bowler dismissing the non-striker’s bails if the batter takes an early exit from the crease. Now Indian allrounder Hardik Pandya has opened up on the same and seems to be sharing the popular take on the issue.
In the latest episode of Apex Cricket Body, the Indian all-rounder said, “We need to stop making a fuss about this running out the non-striker. It is a rule, as simple as that. To hell with the spirit of the game, if it is there, it is there. Personally, I have no problem with it. If I am out of my crease, and someone runs me out, it is fine. It is my mistake.” Pandya has also shared his views on matchups and says that those are ‘overrated.”
“Matchups don’t work for me, see where I bat and the situation I get into, I do not get the option of matchups. You see matchups are more for the people who are batting in Top 3 or 4. For me, it is just the situation. There have been times, when I would like to take on a bowler, but if the situation does not demand it, I do not take that risk as it is going to harm my team,” said Hardik.
I am running towards excellence- Hardik Pandya
“I am never okay with that. Matchups, it is over-rated. I do not mind saying it, but in T20 cricket, it is over-rated. In ODIs and Tests, it might work but in T20s, I do not believe it. Yes, I have not won a World Cup but I have won other tournaments and I do not think I have ever worried about matchups,” he added.
Pandya ended the episode by talking about his ambitions in the game. “Ever since I have made a comeback, the ambition is to be the best version of myself and to get the best out of myself. I am running towards, not greatness I would say, but excellence. I am running towards excellence, if I want to achieve something, I think it would be excellence, not performance. At the end of my career, if I can say to myself, you know what Hardik, you achieved excellence at one point in time, it would be great,” said the all-rounder who has become an integral part of the team.
