'That’s the 3rd time in a row': AB de Villiers' fiery reaction to Hardik-Tilak controversy

India managed to reduce the deficit in the 3rd T20I but West Indies are still leading the five-match T20I series 2-1. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma were the main architects as the Men in Blue registered a dominating seven-wicket victory over the Caribbean side. Hardik Pandya's decision to finish the match with a six attracted severe criticism from all over the world. Tilak Varma remained stranded at the non-striking end with a score of 49.

3 things you need to know

• Tilak Varma looked in complete control this series
• India will look to level the series in Florida
• They are currently trailing the series 1-2

India defeated West Indies in the 3rd T20I

Questions of sportsmanship have been raised as people alleged the Indian captain could have spared a little moment of joy for the Indian youngster who has had a strong run in the T20I series. Ahead of the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup, with scores of 39 and 51 respectively Tilak proved he is ready for the big battle if he is given the chance to prove his worth on the bigger stage.

Also Read: 'Finally someone says it': AB de Villiers' blunt remark on Hardik-Tilak 50 controversy

IND vs WI: AB de Villiers reacts strongly to Hardik Pandya-Tilak Varma issue

Former South African captain AB de Villiers reacted strongly to the incident as he believed people are overreacting to the issue. While replying to a tweet of eminent commentator Harsha Bhogle the former RCB batsman said, People should be saying, that’s the 3rd time in a row, under pressure, that he’s played a significant hand to increase his team’s chances of winning the game”.

People should be saying, “that’s the 3rd time in a row, under pressure, that he’s played a significant hand to increase his team’s chances of winning the game”. Whether it’s a 30, 60 or 90, who cares, it’s about the way it’s done and the situation he was confronted with. Whether…

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) August 11, 2023

Also Read: Rohit Sharma's latest statement proves Yuvraj Singh is indeed irreplaceable in Indian team

"Whether it’s a 30, 60 or 90, who cares, it’s about the way it’s done and the situation he was confronted with. Whether with bat, ball or in the field. It’s a team game peoplethe saying goes, “when the going gets tough, the tough gets going”. That’s what I look for in players in a team environment, not those chasing 50’s, 5’fors, 100’s or Orange/Purple caps."

India's recent struggle against West Indies in the white ball format could pose a huge concern ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup. Their experiments and permutations combinations haven't really played out the way they would have hoped and they need to rectify their mistakes in the upcoming two matches. India will face West Indies in the 4th T20I in Florida.