India vs England 2021: Twitter Reacts As Jos Buttler's Whirlwind Knock Guides England To An 8-Wicket Win

Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 52-ball 83 and some pretty poor bowling and equally shambolic batting sans Virat Kohli has helped England beat India by eight wickets in the third T20I to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Defending 157, Team India fast bowlers-Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shardul Thakur-started off brilliantly as they trouble Jason Roy by attacking his stumps.

Roy was eventually dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal after he mistimes an attempted reverse-sweep. However, Jos Buttler took matters into his own hands as he smoked Chahal for three sixes and a boundary before stroking Shardul Thakur for two boundaries and a six as England raced to 1/58 in the powerplay.

Buttler completed his 11th T20I fifty in just 26 deliveries courtesy a single off Hardik Pandya in the 9th over. Malan top-edged a six on the very next delivery as the partnership crossed the 50-run mark.

Malan’s (18 off 17) struggle against spin finally came to an end as he got stumped in the next over bowled by Washington Sundar to give India a much-needed wicket.

But, Jos Buttler continued to prove to be a thorn in India’s flesh. On a wicket where other England batsmen struggled, Jos Buttler, just like Virat Kohli, looked like he was batting on a completely different attack.

Post the wicket of Dawid Malan, Buttler and Jonny Bairstow milked the Indian attack as the required run-rate came well within control. Buttler soon notched up his highest T20I score.

He eventually played a rare mistimed stroke- reverse-sweep off Yuzvendra Chahal- in the 15th over but for skipper Kohli, who dropped a not-so-tough chance at point.

Chahal, who had another poor outing as he conceded 1-41 in four overs, became another Indian fielder to drop a catch as he shelled a skier off the bowling of Shardul Thakur in the 17th over to give Jonny Bairstow a reprieve. The writing was pretty much on the wall and England eventually romped home courtesy consecutive boundaries in the 19th over to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Virat Kohli’s [77 not-out off 46] masterclass helped India recover after a great start by England bowlers

Batting first, India once again got off to a poor start thanks to Mark Wood, who courtesy of his relentless pace and accuracy, proceeded to peg India back in the powerplay as he claimed two prized scalps in KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. The first batsman to be dismissed was KL Rahul, who was knocked over by a pacy delivery which seamed back in.

Rahul was once again tentative in his footwork and he was beaten for sheer pace and saw his timber being rattled. After Rahul’s dismissal, India proceeded to lose two more wickets in Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan.

Wood claimed Sharma, who mistimed a pull on another pacy delivery by the fast bowler to give an easy catch to Jofra Archer at short fine-leg, Ishan Kishan top-edged an attempted pull off Chris Jordan.

India managed a mere 24 runs at the cost of three top-order wickets in the powerplay and it was all down to skipper Virat Kohli- who started his innings with an audacious cover-drive- and Rishabh Pant to address the fledgling ship.

The next 4 overs brought 31 runs with the majority of them coming against Adil Rashid. While Kohli smashed the leg-spinner over his head for a boundary, Pant scored consecutive fours off Rashid in the next over to bring up the teams’ 50.

But just as it looked like the partnership was taking shape, a poor call for a third run by Virat Kohli and Pant’s inability to say no to his captain, after Buttler misfielded a throw from the deep, ensured that India gifted a wicket to England against the run of play.

The next 3.1 overs brought just two boundaries, ultimately leading to the demise of Shreyas Iyer, who holed out at deep backward point after he backed away and tried to cut Mark Wood for a six. India 5-86 after 14.3 overs.

Hardik Pandya, just like majority of Indian batsmen, struggled against raw pace of England bowlers but Virat Kohli after having played run-a-ball for a majority of his inning finally shifted gears to stroke two sixes and a couple of fours off Archer and Jordan in the 16th and 17th over to bring up his 27th half-century- his 6th in his last 12 innings.

Kohli showed his class in the death overs as he played some sumptuous strokes, none better than the flat-batted six over mid-wicket off Mark Wood followed by a lofted drive over long-off and then a cheeky cut past third-man in the 18th over.

Hardik Pandya smashed his first six in the next over to bring up the 50-run-stand. Kohli backed it up with a boundary as he used the pace of Archer to cut it past third man.

Pandya (17 off 15) smashed a six on the first ball of the last over before getting dismissed on the last delivery while Virat (77* off 46 balls) played another sumptuous drive for a boundary as India scored 56 runs in the last 4 overs to eventually post 6/156.

Here’s how Twitter reacted-

Excellent win, @<!---->e<!---->n<!---->g<!---->l<!---->a<!---->n<!---->d<!---->c<!---->r<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t. Some great performances with both bat and ball. ???#<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Clinical finish by @<!---->e<!---->n<!---->g<!---->l<!---->a<!---->n<!---->d<!---->c<!---->r<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t ! @<!---->j<!---->o<!---->s<!---->b<!---->u<!---->t<!---->t<!---->l<!---->e<!---->r made the Indian bowling look like a club side, wonderful shots all across the ground! Looks like #<!---->T<!---->e<!---->a<!---->m<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->i<!---->a needs a few changes in the bowling department! #<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g<!---->V<!---->s<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

@<!---->e<!---->n<!---->g<!---->l<!---->a<!---->n<!---->d<!---->c<!---->r<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t won that in the 1st 6 overs for me Archer/Wood #<!---->d<!---->i<!---->f<!---->f<!---->e<!---->r<!---->e<!---->n<!---->t<!---->g<!---->r<!---->a<!---->v<!---->y ?? great knock by @<!---->j<!---->o<!---->s<!---->b<!---->u<!---->t<!---->t<!---->l<!---->e<!---->r & finished off well by @<!---->j<!---->b<!---->a<!---->i<!---->r<!---->s<!---->t<!---->o<!---->w<!---->2<!---->1 1-2 #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Really comfortable win for England ??????? today. Buttler was outstanding!

India ?? can’t keep losing 3 wickets in the powerplay. As good as KL Rahul had been over time, he’s not explosive enough at the top. They need to sort the batting order/selection. It’s a shambles. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Nikesh Rughani (@NikeshRughani) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Why is Chahal in this team and not Axar Patel or Ashwin, who both can even bat a bit. Can someone pls explain to me?

— Abijit Ganguly (@AbijitG) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

So @<!---->j<!---->o<!---->s<!---->b<!---->u<!---->t<!---->t<!---->l<!---->e<!---->r wins this one for England. And it’s the start that has cost India again. 3 down for 20 and it’s very difficult to recover despite a masterclass from @<!---->i<!---->m<!---->V<!---->k<!---->o<!---->h<!---->l<!---->i toss was imp again. Very imp in fact. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->s<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

In this series, batsmen have edged the ball 43 times. Those 43 balls have led to 79 runs and only five wickets. #<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->v<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

If bowlers' form is scrutinized at the rate batsmen's is being questioned in the series…Chahal maybe be rested for the next one. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Two dodgy innings in a row from Dawid Malan – 24 off 23 and now 18 off 17 – absorbing balls and getting out before he's accelerated. Two crucial games ahead for him, whatever his world ranking

— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/im_yash2307/status/1371855041351483396?s=19

Jos Buttler showing his prowess. Has the ability to hit shots all round the wicket. Intelligent cricketer. Became more impactful when he started to open. Bairstow was pushed at No.4 from SA series. England is a dangerous batting unit

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Genius @<!---->i<!---->m<!---->V<!---->k<!---->o<!---->h<!---->l<!---->i !! Of all the great players he is the most pleasing on the eye … #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Innings like this one are why I rate Kohli as the absolute best. He scores runs when it is easy going, of course, but he also churns out the runs when everyone else finds it tough. Greatest white ball player of all time.

— Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/im_yash2307/status/1371841946205962240?s=19

That innings from @<!---->i<!---->m<!---->V<!---->k<!---->o<!---->h<!---->l<!---->i had #<!---->G<!---->O<!---->A<!---->T all over it ?? game on #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

That innings from Kohli – on this pitch – is a good example of a high-class anchor in T20 working at its best

— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Starts like a corolla , finishes like a FERRARI #<!---->K<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->K<!---->o<!---->h<!---->l<!---->i

— DK (@DineshKarthik) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/DanishSait/status/1371839024877469711?s=19

Those two shots by Kohli off Wood are absolutely world-class. Batting perfection

— Matt Roller (@mroller98) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Terrific batting by Kohli. Knowing Wood would ball back of length, sat back and pulled him for a six. Wood pitches it up next ball, gets driven down the ground. Waits on the backfoot for the next ball to glides it past the back footbackward point.#<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Oh well, he is in form alright!

That cracking sound as the bat smacked the leather off the ball!#<!---->P<!---->l<!---->a<!---->y<!---->B<!---->o<!---->l<!---->d #<!---->W<!---->e<!---->A<!---->r<!---->e<!---->C<!---->h<!---->a<!---->l<!---->l<!---->e<!---->n<!---->g<!---->e<!---->r<!---->s #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->P<!---->f<!---->0<!---->V<!---->V<!---->t<!---->E<!---->k<!---->o<!---->u

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

"out of form" kohli has 6 50s in 12 t20i innings from 2019#<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— AD (@cricadharsh) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

There have only been four T20I innings in which Virat Kohli has been on a lower score after 26 balls than today. Only one of those innings was since 2016. #<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->v<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Approach is the new Process. #<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->v<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/im_yash2307/status/1371830126514671618?s=19

Shocking running from Pant gifts England a wicket: India 64 for 4.

— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

I know this is in hindsight, but if Rahul wasn’t going to play the Tests, he may have been better off being allowed to play for Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, even if it meant he’d be available for just the group stages. Would've had game time coming in.

— Shashank Kishore (@captainshanky) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

More than anything need to understand what's India expecting from Shreyas batting at 6. In this situation Hardik will probably bat next.

If Shreyas plays, must bat higher or not play at all. Rather play Surya or anyone more equipped to bat at 6.

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Rahul is a better batsman than this.

— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Rohit Sharma's last four innings batting first in T20Is:

71
65
60*
15 – TODAY

An impressive streak ends.#<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->e<!---->j<!---->9<!---->M<!---->C<!---->3<!---->8<!---->i<!---->B<!---->5

— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Lowest Powerplay scores for India (T20I)

21/3 v Pak Mirpur 2016
22/3 v Eng Ahmedabad 2021
24/4 v Aus Bridgetown 2010
24/3 v Eng Ahmedabad 2021 *#<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

KL Rahul last four innings in T20Is

0(2) vs Aus
1(4) vs Eng
0(6) vs Eng
0(4) vs Eng#<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

KL Rahul is a generational talent, no doubt but given the tight competition for spots in the Indian time, I wonder for how long he can keep his spot without scoring considerably well.

Another failure for him as he continues rough patch with the bat. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Maybe not Kohli, but at this rate, KL Rahul may pick Surya Kumar Yadav.#<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->v<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g

— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/indiantweeter/status/1371819187891359747?s=19

It would seem hard on Suryakumar Yadav but once Rohit came back it was going to be tough. I expect him to get a game sometime in the next two matches though

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Rohit’s return after two-match rest means luckless Suryakumar Yadav has to warm the bench without facing a single delivery in his debut match. Win toss, win match has been pattern so far. If India have to break the trend, big runs needed from top order. Rahul under scrutiny

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

So Suryakumar Yadav dropped without even touching his bat on his debut. Make what you want to make out of it. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

They did a Jack MacBryan to Suryakumar Yadav. 🙁

— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

SuryaKumar Yadav out of the team after not getting chance to bat in his debut match. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

Fans to Kohli: p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->X<!---->o<!---->K<!---->c<!---->C<!---->L<!---->S<!---->1<!---->w<!---->V

— Snow ❄ (@sunnynoons) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Cricket fans to Kohli after dropping Suryakumar Yadav in today's match… p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->N<!---->j<!---->w<!---->h<!---->6<!---->1<!---->2<!---->4<!---->S<!---->1

— Abhishek (@TweetToElonMusk) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Suryakumar yadav trying to get in the playing 11#<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->s<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->K<!---->u<!---->5<!---->9<!---->k<!---->L<!---->9<!---->D<!---->b<!---->4

— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Suryakumar Yadav dropped. He is yet to face a ball in internationals. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Sreshth Shah (@sreshthx) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

I guess Suryakumar Yadav was dropped because he didn't score any runs last match.#<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

https://twitter.com/Im_Vkohli_fan/status/1371814424919502854?s=19

https://twitter.com/JishaLaha/status/1371813274304401419?s=19

https://twitter.com/Aak__Thu/status/1371814737495748615?s=19

Kohli would have dropped Ishan Kishan if he had failed in previous match. Poor Suryakumar Yadav. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Rajesh Abraham?? (@pendown) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->1<!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1