Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, however, felt that the award should have been shared between Kohli and Hardik Pandya
India captain Virat Kohli scored 200 runs in the third Test against England in Nottingham and was one of the architects of the team’s memorable 203-run victory.
When the game ended at Trent Bridge on Wednesday, the skipper was adjudged Man-of-the-match. Though there were good performances from players on both sides, Kohli was chosen for the prize.
Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, however, felt that the award should have been shared between Kohli and Hardik Pandya.
Pandya took five wickets and scored an unbeaten 52. Thanks to his superlative bowling in the first innings, the visitors gained a massive 168-run lead, which was turned into 520 after declaring at 352/7 in the second essay.
Chasing 521, the hosts were bowled out for 317 with Jasprit Bumrah starring with a five-wicket haul.
Tendulkar, on asked about his views regarding the Man-of-the-match award, on his 100MB app, said, “I would have made them share the award. Both players played important roles in India’s victory. Both of Virat Kohli’s innings was very significant. The first innings helped give India a strong foundation and the century in the second innings ensured that India set an improbable target. At the same time, I feel that Hardik also played an important role, especially in the first innings.”
In his live interaction with fans, he also added, “His (Pandya) five wickets were critical. Players like Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow are in-form batsmen, and to dismiss them early was vital. He even scored a quick-fire fifty in the second innings to take the target beyond 500. Eventually, it comes down to a matter of opinion.”
With the five-match series at 2-1 in favour of the hosts, the fourth contest starts in Southampton on August 30.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.