Wed Jan 29 14:52:24 UTC 2025: ## Rayudu Criticizes Pandya’s Lack of Faith in Jurel After India’s T20I Loss

**Rajkot, India** – Former Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu has criticized all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his decision not to take a single on the final ball of the 18th over in India’s 26-run loss to England in the third T20I on Tuesday. While praising Pandya’s 40-run knock, Rayudu felt the veteran should have shown more trust in young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel.

The incident occurred with Jurel at the crease after hitting a deep square leg shot. Rayudu, speaking on Star Sports, stated that even with 25 runs needed from the final over, Pandya possessed the capability to achieve the target and should have had more faith in Jurel’s ability.

“He paced his innings well, but when the finishing touch was required, he could have shown a little more faith in Dhruv Jurel,” Rayudu said. “Even if 25 had been required in the last over, Hardik has the ability to hit that. So I feel if he had shown a little more confidence in Dhruv Jurel, the game might have been closer.”

Despite Pandya’s impressive innings and a 38-run partnership with Axar Patel, England’s bowlers proved too strong, restricting India to 145/9 in response to England’s 171/9. Ben Duckett’s half-century and a late flourish from Liam Livingstone (43) anchored England’s innings, while Varun Chakravarthy’s stunning 5-24 significantly hampered England’s middle order.

India, currently leading the five-match series 2-1, will face England in Pune on Friday for the fourth T20I. Rayudu’s comments have sparked debate surrounding Pandya’s captaincy decisions in the closing stages of the match.

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