NEW DELHI: Concerns over Hardik Pandya's performance resurfaced, both as a player and captain, after Mumbai Indians (MI) suffered a significant setback in their IPL 2024 encounter against Rajasthan Royals, succumbing to a nine-wicket defeat.
Batting at No. 7, Hardik managed only 10 runs and conceded 37 runs in his four overs without securing a wicket. The decision to elevate Hardik as MI skipper over Rohit Sharma garnered criticism from fans and experts.
With the five-time champions languishing in seventh place in the points table, scrutiny continues to mount. Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan suggests that Hardik seems to be seeking easy solutions to rediscover his form, warning that continued underperformance could render him the 'weak link' for his team.
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"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. 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 said in a video.
Pathan expressed dismay over some of Pandya's decisions during the game, highlighting that such actions could diminish his standing within the team. Pandya's choice to demote himself to No. 7 despite his experience batting at No. 4 for Gujarat Titans, and his decision to bowl the opening over instead of relying on seasoned bowler Jasprit Bumrah, drew particular criticism.
"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. 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," Pathan further said.
