India vs New Zealand 3rd T20: Dinesh Karthik refuses single to Krunal Pandya, Twitter fumes in anger

New Zealand beat India by 4 runs in a thrilling finish in the third and final T20I at Seddon Park in Hamilton to win the series 2-1. From MS Dhoni’s super speed stumping to India losing by just four runs, Indian fans have seen it all; however, a thing that has been fuming everyone is the last over.

Dinesh Karthik and Krunal Pandya were trying to score big runs in every ball to help India win, however, a small mistake did lead to the team losing the series.

Karthik finished on 33 runs off 16 balls while Krunal finished on 26 runs off 13 balls. The former however is being criticised for refusing to take a single when India needed 14 runs off 4 balls in the final over. Karthik's innings had 4 sixes while Krunal's had two boundaries and as many sixes.

Karthik failed to get the big shot off the first four balls – 2,0,0,1. He hit a six off the last ball but it was too late by then.

This decision by Karthik has got Twitter fuming. Here are some reactions:

What the fuck was Dinesh Karthik thinking when he refused single??
I mean really what in the bloddy blue blazes was that fucker thinking??#NZvIndT20

— Ashish Kumar (@login2ak) February 10, 2019

Dinesh Karthik should not play for India after this. That is the most horrible thing I’ve seen in a while.

— ADITYA (@StarkAditya) February 10, 2019

Dinesh Karthik's decision to not run is inexcusable and inexplicable. #indvsnz

— Kosturi (@Kosturi23) February 10, 2019

Not taking that run was the stupidest thing to do in the cricket field ...ughhh Dinesh Karthik #INDvsNZ

— Suchita (@Suchita_14) February 10, 2019

What was Dinesh Karthik thinking? Refusing a single in the last over, with Krunal Pandya blazing away at the other end. #NZvInd

— Slipstream Cricket (@SlipstreamCrick) February 10, 2019

Absolutely stupid of Dinesh Karthik to refuse a single. India lose by a scoring shot. #IndVsNz #NZvIND #t20

— BloggerDan (@DanBlogger) February 10, 2019

Krunal Pandya to Dinesh Kartik after the match:#NZvIND pic.twitter.com/cIhE3D81v3

— Gajal (@Gajal_Dalmia) February 10, 2019

However, some also praised his efforts for trying his best after the collapse of Indian batsmen:

I dare anybody criticize Dinesh Karthik today @vikrantgupta73 Dinesh took responsibility to finish it himself, something which MSD has done always.Yes he failed,But I would definitely want him in my World Cup team. #AskSportsTak #indvsnz@rashikarajput01

— Saksham (@Saksham55884521) February 10, 2019

I'm laughing the way people are doing riot for that single . DK played almost with 200 strike rate .tried his best also this is not the first time anyone denied single . DK is our current Finisher .Give him the credit #NZvIND

— Rahul. (@SRKrider1) February 10, 2019

If Dhoni played the innings what Karthik had played then his fans will demand Bharat Ratna for him
Why so much hatered towards him??
Atleast he take the match so close#NZvsIND #indiavsnewzealand #NZvIND

— Sanchit Rohilla (@sanchitrohilla2) February 10, 2019

#Dk innings should be Appreciated
If not then your Asses need to be modify

Rohit tried to play captain inning but failed, & that's the turning point of the match

#NZvIND

— Ashish (@Asranjan007) February 10, 2019

DK didnt take the single !

I backed Dhoni when he backed himself to finish .. no reason to not back DK !#NZvIND

— Shreyans Mehta (@ShreyansMehta7) February 10, 2019

Dinesh Karthik was super impressive. He almost won us the game. He is far better bet than Risabh Pant at World Cup. #sportstakofficial #AskStar #AakashVani #sanjaymanjerkar #samiprajguru #Cricbuzzlive

— Pankajsinha2706 (@Pankajsinha2701) February 10, 2019

India had lost wickets in quick successions. Vijay Shankar and Rishabh Pant tried to keep the team ahead of the asking rate chasing 213 runs.

The loss of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and MS Dhoni in 3 overs put pressure on the Indian side. Dinesh Karthik and Krunal Pandya kept them in the game but couldn't take them over the line.