In the third T20I of the five-match series between England and India, the host nation succumbed to a 26-run defeat. The match, played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, saw India falter in their chase of England’s total. Despite a valiant effort from Hardik Pandya, who top-scored for India, former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel criticized Pandya’s slow start and failure to rotate the strike effectively.

Hardik Pandya’s knock and dismissal

In the penultimate over of India’s chase, the pressure was mounting as the required run rate soared. With 41 runs needed from just 12 balls, Pandya attempted to accelerate the chase but was dismissed by Jamie Overton. The England pacer bowled a full delivery aimed at the stumps, and Pandya, looking to clear the long-off boundary, lost his shape while executing an aerial lofted shot. The ball found the safe hands of England’s captain, Jos Buttler, ending Pandya’s innings at 40 runs off 35 balls. His knock included one four and two sixes.

Parthiv Patel criticizes Pandya’s approach

former Indian batter Patel criticized Pandya’s slow start in the chase, stating that taking 20-25 balls to settle created unnecessary pressure on the other Indian batters. He emphasized that while it’s fine not to play big shots, it’s important to rotate the strike and avoid playing multiple dot balls in a row.

“I thought when you are taking your time you want to get used to the pace and bounce of the pitch. But you cannot take 20-25 balls to get settled. So that put pressure on the other batters as well. If you don’t want to play those big shots, that’s okay, but you still have to keep on rotating the strike. You can’t play three or four dot balls in a row,” Parthiv told Star Sports.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: England outsmart India in 3rd T20I to keep the series alive

The impact of dot balls: Patel calls for more rotation of strike

Patel highlighted the importance of  Pandya rotating the strike effectively, even when not hitting big shots early. He pointed out that failing to find singles during a crucial chase adds pressure on other batters. The left-hand batter also noted that while Pandya might score 40 off 34 balls, the number of dot balls in his innings can create unnecessary pressure on teammates, suggesting that India should focus on maintaining good strike rotation.

“And you might just see Hardik Pandya scoring 40 off 34 balls, but there are a number of dots in his innings that put pressure on the other batters as well. So, I think that’s something which India can think of. You take your time. Yes, it’s a low score, but you still have to keep rotating the strike as well with it,” the former opener concluded.

Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy completes his five-wicket haul with double strike in an over | IND vs ENG, 3rd T20I

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No matter which side you are on, a lethal spin ball is equally appreciated by the cricketing world as a stunning swing delivery or a towering six. Adil Rashid’s stunner against Tilak Varma in Rajkot was one such delivery which took fans and analysts in shock. Amidst praises from everyone, the masterpiece is now appreciated by none other than Ravichandran Ashwin– the spin wizard.

Ravichandran Ashwin amazed by Adil Rashid’s beauty

Rashid bowled the sensational delivery on the last ball of the 8th over during India’s run chase of 172 runs. India’s promising young batter Tilak, was on the crease and appeared ready to play the big shot after steadily to an individual score of 18 runs off 13 balls.

However, the 22-year-old could not lead India to another epic run chase as an outside off bowl took a breathtaking turn and cleared the middle-leg stump of the explosive Indian batter thus marking an end to his consecutive unbeatable run in previous 4 T20I matches. The dismissal proved detrimental to India’s hope of achieving the target.

The empathic delivery was later on praised by Ashwin who called it an ‘absolute seed’ and further appreciated the scrambled seam and side spin approach from the English spinner. This was Rashid’s only dismissal of the match and came at a crucial time for his team as the run flow took a further hit with Tilak’s absence on the pitch.

Also Read: Twitter reactions: England outsmart India in 3rd T20I to keep the series alive

Here’s the post

Absolute seed🔥🔥.
Scrambled seam and serious side spin.
Top bowling Adil Rashid🤝🤝#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/9omCsdmaxU

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 28, 2025

India stopped by a determined bowling effort from England

Scoring runs was getting difficult for the Indian team in Rajkot as a disciplined bowling display from England groped the Indian batters and led them to commit mistakes on the pitch. No Indian batter could withstand the fine line and length bowled by English bowlers. Apart from Hardik Pandya who scored 40 runs off 35 balls, the entire Indian batting order succumbed and gave their wickets away cheaply. India’s run chase was wrapped up at 145/9 runs in 20 overs leading the way for an England victory by 26 runs in the match.

Jamie Overton was the star of the match for England with the bowl as he took 3 wickets for 24 runs in his 4 overs. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse supported Overton and took 2 wickets respectively to pave the way for an England win in the match.

Also Read: Indian batting coach defends Suryakumar Yadav despite his struggles in ongoing T20I series against England

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The third T20I of the five-match series between India and England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot ended in disappointment for the hosts as they suffered a 26-run defeat. The loss was attributed to an inconsistent batting order, with players not positioned in their natural roles. Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen criticized India’s batting strategy, emphasizing that key batters were not utilized effectively.

Kevin Pietersen slams India’s batting order

Pietersen criticized India’s batting approach, particularly their order adjustments, during the post-match analysis. He expressed the belief that the best batters should bat at the top of the order.

KP cited an example from the Durban Super Giants‘ match in the SA20 2025, where key players like Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen were batting lower than expected. Similar to that Pietersen pointed out how Dhruv Jurel, a top-order batter, was moved to number 8 in the match for the sake of a left-right batting combination, even though there was little pressure on the lower-order batters.

“I didn’t like the batting order either. I’m someone who believes your best batters should bat at the top of the order. I was in South Africa last week, and the Durban Super Giants were having an absolute shocker of a tournament. But Quinton de Kock was batting at 3 or 4, and Heinrich Klaasen was batting at 6 or 7. I approached these guys and asked, ‘Why are you doing this?’ You’ve seen the same thing happen here this evening. A guy like Dhruv Jurel, who is a very good and accomplished batter, is being dropped down the order because of the left-hander, right-hander strategy. Hardik is struggling a little, and there wasn’t that much pressure on these batters to come out and score at 10 runs per over,” Pieterson said while speaking on Star Sports.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: England outsmart India in 3rd T20I to keep the series alive

Dhruv Jurel’s dismissal further highlights India’s struggles

India’s struggles were evident in the lower order as Jurel, typically a top-order batter, was demoted to number eight. His brief stay at the crease ended when Brydon Carse bowled a full toss, which the 24-year-old attempted to scoop towards the wicketkeeper. Philip Salt took an easy catch and Jurel was dismissed at the score of just 2 runs facing 4 deliveries.

Though despite the defeat, India maintains a 2-1 lead in the series, leaving two matches still to be played. The fourth T20I is scheduled to take place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Friday, January 31. While India will aim to bounce back and clinch the series with a victory, England will be determined to level the score and push the series into a decider. With the stakes high, fans can expect another thrilling encounter between the two cricketing giants.

Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy completes his five-wicket haul with double strike in an over | IND vs ENG, 3rd T20I

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England defeated India by 26 runs in the 3rd T20I at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot, to narrow the deficit in the five-match series to 2-1. Choosing to field first, India struggled to contain England’s power-hitters in form of Ben Duckett and Liam Livingstone, while their batting faltered under the pressure of a challenging target of 172. England’s bowlers, led by Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer, capitalized on India’s struggles to keep the series alive.

England’s resilient batting sets the stage

England posted a competitive 171/9 on the back of a crucial knock by Duckett (51 off 28), who displayed aggression and precision against India’s spinners. Supported by Livingstone’s fiery 43 off 24, the middle-order ensured England capitalized on the powerplay and middle overs. Jos Buttler (24 off 22) provided stability at the top but fell to a well-executed plan by Varun Chakravarthy, who was the pick of the bowlers with remarkable figures of 5/24.

Chakravarthy’s guile dismantled England’s batting, picking wickets regularly and keeping their run rate in check. However, lower-order contributions from Adil Rashid and Mark Wood ensured England finished strongly despite losing wickets in clusters. India’s bowlers had a mixed day, with Ravi Bishnoi conceding 46 runs for one wicket and Hardik Pandya (2/33) offering occasional breakthroughs. Axar Patel (1/19) maintained control, but Washington Sundar and Mohammed Shami struggled, leaking runs under pressure.

Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy completes his five-wicket haul with double strike in an over | IND vs ENG, 3rd T20I

India’s batting collapse seals England’s victory

Chasing 172, India’s innings never gained momentum, as regular wickets derailed their chase. The early loss of Sanju Samson (3) and Abhishek Sharma (24 off 14) in the powerplay added pressure. Suryakumar Yadav (14 off 7) looked promising with a quick cameo but fell to Mark Wood, while Tilak Varma (18 off 14) and Sundar (6 off 15) struggled to anchor the innings.

Hardik (40 off 35) fought valiantly, but the lack of partnerships and rising required rate made the chase increasingly difficult. England’s bowlers, particularly Jamie Overton (3/23) and Jofra Archer (2/33), executed their plans to perfection, consistently striking at crucial junctures. Adil Rashid’s economical spell (1/15) applied pressure in the middle overs, leaving India with too much to do in the death overs. India’s tailenders offered little resistance as they ended at 146/9 in 20 overs. England’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured they stayed in contention for the series, setting up an intriguing battle in the final two games.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Must admit when #England made only 171 didn't see that coming. That was some performance with the ball and in the field. #Rashid brilliant, as ever. #INDvENG

— David Begg (@dadbegg) January 28, 2025

England have bowled magnificently. They are showing that pace could be the way to go in T20 cricket. They made 171 into a winning score. And maybe, everyone got the surface wrong!

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 28, 2025

In the T20 format ability to rotate the strike is very important on slightly slower wicket. India left it too much for too
late in the end.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 28, 2025

Even from 127/8, we never take a backward step 👊

What a win in Rajkot! 🙌

Match Centre: http://t.co/nhxqiQ1kiY pic.twitter.com/aGjQnimEG2

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 28, 2025

India's combinations are still extremes. The risks are still high variance with some individuals who haven't done enough in this format.

Losses like this are good if you learn the right lesson. Let's see how they respond.#INDvENG

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) January 28, 2025

England were 127/8 and then Livingstone nailed three sixes off Bishnoi in the 17th over.. Turning out to be the difference along with a useful last-wicket stand.

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) January 28, 2025

England won by 26 runs: http://t.co/HZmTsdLDPo#cricket #INDvENG #T20I pic.twitter.com/k6CW0zKpQ3

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 28, 2025

Remember it's mighty Livingstone's onslaught won England the match. Lancashire Lord ftw

— arfan (@Im__Arfan) January 28, 2025

To get Tilak out, you need to bowl one of the best deliveries in the tournament. Brother was on a mission again to score big.

— Sai (@akakrcb6) January 28, 2025

Overconfidence Kills

— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) January 28, 2025

Also READ: Indian batting coach defends Suryakumar Yadav despite his struggles in ongoing T20I series against England

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Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy delivered a stellar performance in the third T20I against England in Rajkot on Tuesday, dismantling the opposition with his skillful bowling. Chakravarthy first set the tone by removing England’s key batters Jos Buttler, Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton earlier in the innings, showcasing his ability to strike at crucial moments.

Varun Chakravarthy’s magical five-wicket haul stuns England in 3rd T20I

The crafty spinner returned to haunt England later in the innings, claiming two wickets in the same over. He dismissed Brydon Carse and followed it up with a sensational delivery to clean-bowl Jofra Archer for a duck on just the second ball Archer faced. With this remarkable effort, Varun Chakravarthy completed his maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is, finishing with figures highlighting his dominance over England’s batting lineup.

1. Brydon Carse dismissal (15.4 Over)

Looking to counter Chakravarthy’s spin, Carse attempted a sweep shot to a delivery that was pitched outside off and turning away from him. However, the shot selection proved unwise as he played against the turn and targeted the longer boundary at deep square leg. The lack of timing and placement caused the ball to balloon up, offering an easy catch to Tilak Varma stationed perfectly in the deep. Varun’s intelligent variation in pace and trajectory induced the false shot, leaving Carse with no option but to watch his dismissal unfold.

2. Jofra Archer dismissal (15.6 Over)

Archer’s stay at the crease was cut short by a deceptive delivery from Chakravarthy. The ball drifted in slightly before skidding sharply off the pitch, exploiting Archer’s uncertainty. Expecting a more conventional spin, Archer played down the wrong line, leaving a significant gap between his bat and pad. The ball snuck through this gap and crashed into the stumps, completing a spectacular dismissal. Varun’s ability to disguise the delivery and generate unexpected drift showcased his mastery, leaving Archer bemused and England deeper in trouble.

Here’s the video:

Double-wicket over 👌

Completion of fifer for Varun Chakaravarthy 👌

Updates ▶️ http://t.co/amaTrbtzzJ#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @chakaravarthy29 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/ne0Ze0lppj

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 28, 2025

Also READ: IND vs ENG, 3rd T20I: Here’s why Arshdeep Singh is not playing today’s match

India restricts England to 171 in the Rajkot T20I

The first innings saw a sensational bowling display from Chakravarthy who played a pivotal role in keeping England to 171/9. Opting to bowl first, India struck early through Hardik Pandya, removing Phil Salt cheaply. Ben Duckett led England’s counterattack with a rapid 51 off 28 balls, supported by Jos Buttler’s steady 24. However, Varun turned the game around in the middle overs, deceiving England’s batters with drift, turn, and pinpoint accuracy. His double strike in the 15th over, dismissing Carse and Archer, was the highlight of the innings. While Liam Livingstone’s explosive 43 off 24 ensured England crossed the 150-mark, the Indian bowlers, including Pandya (2/33) and Axar Patel (1/19), maintained control in the death overs.

Also READ: Indian batting coach defends Suryakumar Yadav despite his struggles in ongoing T20I series against England

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In the third T20I of the ongoing five-match series between India and England, home team’s captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss for the third consecutive time and elected to bowl first at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The decision came as no surprise, given the reputation of the Rajkot pitch for being batting-friendly and consistent throughout the match.

Why Arshdeep Singh is not playing today’s match?

One notable change in India’s playing XI was the absence of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has been rested for the game. In his place, veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami made a return to the national team after a gap of 14 months. Shami’s inclusion adds experience to India’s bowling attack, which will aim to contain a strong English batting lineup.

Explaining the decision at the toss, Suryakumar said, “The pitch looks good and hard, and it’s expected to remain consistent. Rajkot has always been a high-scoring ground. Tilak Varma impressed us in the last match, and we’re treating this as a fresh three-match series from here on. Mohammed Shami comes in for Arshdeep Singh, who has been rested.�?/em>