T20 cricket is the most unpredictable format of the game. At the start of the match, no one can accurately predict how the game will be on all occasions. A batter can sometimes do the job in the bowling unit, a bowler can finish off the game with the bat, while a substitute fielder could make a difference with a run-out or a catch.
Smart decision-making is a required skill in T20 cricket, and there have been such instances when a reliable batting option was denied strike by a set batter. Often fans see that the tail-enders are denied strike when a proper batter is in the middle, but here’s a list of four instances when a proven batter was denied strike.
1. Hardik Pandya denied strike to Dinesh Karthik recently in T20 cricket match
India played against South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium last night. On the penultimate ball of the innings, Hardik Pandya smashed the ball towards the leg-side. An easy single was available, but Hardik and Dinesh Karthik did not run.
2. Dinesh Karthik denied strike to Krunal Pandya in a T20 cricket match
Dinesh Karthik interestingly did not give the strike to Krunal Pandya during a bilateral T20I against New Zealand in 2019. India needed 16 off six and Karthik scored two runs off first two balls. Krunal was on 25*(12), but Karthik did not give him strike even though he ran for a single on the third ball. Karthik could not finish off the match as India lost by four runs.
3. MS Dhoni
India needed 5 runs off 2 balls in a one-off T20 against England in 2014. MS Dhoni hit a shot and a single was available, but he did not give the strike to Ambati Rayudu. Unfortunately, Dhoni could not connect well on the last ball as India lost by three runs.
4. Sanju Samson
During IPL 2021, Sanju Samson scored a ton against Punjab Kings. He did not give strike to Chris Morris when a single was available with RR needing 5 runs from 2 balls. Samson got out on the last ball and RR lost by four runs.
