India batter Tilak Varma suffered a bizarre run-out during the third T20I against West Indies in Indore on Sunday after mistakenly assuming that a shot had reached the boundary.
The unusual dismissal left fans stunned as the left-hander lost his wicket for 28 off 16 balls following a moment of confusion with batting partner Axar Patel.
The incident occurred in the 17th over when West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie bowled a low full toss to Axar. The Indian all-rounder flicked the delivery towards deep backward square leg, where fielder Kamil Pooran sprinted across and dived to stop the ball from reaching the boundary.
WATCH: Tilak Varma's Unbelievable Run-Out
With the ball appearing to be heading towards the boundary, Tilak and Axar initially completed a single before slowing down in the middle of the pitch. Both batters seemingly believed the ball had crossed the rope and even exchanged a glove punch, unaware that Pooran had kept it in play.
The West Indies fielders, however, remained alert. Pooran returned the ball towards the wicketkeeper's end, where captain Shai Hope attempted to run Axar out. The Indian all-rounder managed to make his ground in time.
Tilak, meanwhile, appeared unaware of the situation and was caught outside his crease. Hope relayed the ball to Motie, who broke the stumps at the bowler's end. The third umpire reviewed the incident and confirmed that Tilak was short of his crease, ending his innings in an extraordinary fashion.
The dismissal quickly became a talking point among fans, with the lack of awareness from the Indian batters adding to the surprise of the moment.
ALSO READ: IND vs WI 3rd T20I: Abhishek Sharma Blazes To 18-Ball Fifty, Breaks Suryakumar Yadav’s Record
Tilak Varma's Dismissal Hurts India
Tilak had looked well placed to accelerate towards the end of India's innings, having struck four boundaries during his 16-ball knock. His dismissal added to India's middle-order collapse after a strong start.
Abhishek Sharma had earlier smashed 69 off 30 balls, while Ishan Kishan contributed 37 as India raced ahead in the powerplay. However, the hosts lost wickets in quick succession and were eventually bowled out for 223.
India went on to win the match by 14 runs, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match T20I series. Tilak's unusual run-out remained one of the most talked-about moments of the contest.