Hardik Pandya’s tragic run-out mars India’s progress in Centurion Test vs South Africa

Hardik Pandya’s casual run-out on 15 did not please Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli as they looked to erase the deficit against South Africa on day 3 of the Centurion Test.

cricket Updated: Jan 15, 2018 15:58 IST
Hardik Pandya was run-out for 15 in bizarre circumstances as he lazily failed to ground his bat during the third day of the second Test in Centurion.
Hardik Pandya was run-out for 15 in bizarre circumstances as he lazily failed to ground his bat during the third day of the second Test in Centurion. (AP)

India were off to a brilliant start of Monday and seemed to continue from where they had left on Day 2 as Virat Kohli reached his triple-figure mark in fine style while the side notched up 26 runs off the first six overs. (SOUTH AFRICA vs INDIA UPDATES)

With Kohli shifting gears and picking up 11 runs off an Lungi Ngidi over, all that Hardik Pandya had to do at the other end was to hold fort and allow his skipper deal with the bowling. However, he failed to do so in the most unforgivable manner. His casual approach to reach the crease cost his wicket and gave India an unnecessary jolt in the morning session. (SOUTH AFRICA vs INDIA SCORECARD)

Kohli had scored the bulk of the runs (18) till then while Pandya had contributed four runs more and the rest came in byes. Facing Kagiso Rabada in the 68th over, Pandya tried to steal a single as he helped the ball on the leg-side but his captain wasn’t too keen.

Quite correctly, he sent back Pandya midway as Philander aimed at the stumps from mid-on. Despite being a direct hit, the Proteas were not too overjoyed as Pandya seemed to have made his ground just in time.

However, the decision was referred to the third umpire and television replays showed that the young all-rounder, despite making his ground, had his feet and the bat in the air.

Kohli was vividly upset over the manner in which his partner threw away his wicket.