Hardik Pandya, the dynamic all-rounder and skipper of Mumbai Indians (MI), finds himself under intense scrutiny following his underwhelming performance in the IPL 2024 campaign. MI suffered a significant setback with a nine-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals, a match that highlighted Pandya’s struggles both with the bat and the ball.
In the match against Rajasthan Royals, Pandya could only muster 10 runs and conceded 37 runs in his four overs. This poor showing added to MI’s woes, as they currently sit seventh in the IPL points table with just three wins from eight matches.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan didn’t mince words when criticizing Pandya’s form and leadership. Pathan expressed concerns about Pandya potentially becoming a “weak link” for the team if his lack of form persists. He emphasized the impact on Pandya’s hitting abilities and leadership, suggesting that Pandya might be avoiding tough situations to regain form.
“Mumbai Indians is still a very good team on paper but being managed very poorly. Especially, if Hardik Pandya as a leader lacks form, he will become a weak link for his own team. What I am most worried about is that he is affecting his own hitting abilities,” Pathan said after MI lost to RR.
“This is a matter of concern — even for the Indian team. It seems as if he is looking for easy ways to come back to form and wants to keep himself in a comfortable position. And that is how he will not be able to win the respect of his team and teammates.”
Pathan’s critique extended to Pandya’s batting position and bowling choices as skipper. He questioned Pandya’s decision to bowl the first over ahead of Jasprit Bumrah, suggesting that such tactics inadvertently helped opposition batsmen gain confidence. Pathan stressed the need for Pandya to earn respect by taking on tough tasks and emphasized the importance of leadership in earning teammates’ respect.
“When the batters do well, he comes to bat at No. 3. And here, he sent Nehal Wadhera and Mohammad Nabi ahead of himself. He doesn’t come at a position where he needs to do the tough job,” Pathan added.
“If as a leader, you have to earn your teammates’ respect, he’s got to do the tough tasks; don’t look for easy ways. He bowls the first over thinking that he’ll escape, but even there, he gets struck for 2 fours, helps Buttler get in form, and then when Bumrah bowls, Buttler gets the confidence to play him out.”
Furthermore, Pathan highlighted concerns about Pandya’s strategies affecting team dynamics and MI’s overall management despite a strong team on paper. He urged Pandya to avoid seeking easy ways to regain form and emphasized the necessity of facing tough challenges to improve.
“When the batters do well, he comes to bat at No. 3. And here, he sent Nehal Wadhera and Mohammad Nabi ahead of himself. He doesn’t come at a position where he needs to do the tough job,” Pathan remarked.
“If as a leader, you have to earn your teammates’ respect, he’s got to do the tough tasks; don’t look for easy ways. He bowls the first over thinking that he’ll escape, but even there, he gets struck for 2 fours, helps Buttler get in form, and then when Bumrah bowls, Buttler gets the confidence to play him out.”
As Pandya faces mounting criticism, the pressure is on for him to bounce back and lead MI to a resurgence in the remainder of the IPL season.
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