A number of hours later he was named vice-captain of India's T20 World Cup squad, Hardik Pandya endured a depressing night. The Mumbai Indians captain was dismissed for a golden duck because the facet crashed to one more defeat – this time by four wickets – by the hands of Lucknow Tremendous Giants, just about dashing their Playoff hopes. With seven defeats, the five-time champions are languishing at No. 9 within the IPL 2024 factors desk and no extent of mathematical equations goes to be sufficient to revive their marketing campaign.
On the heart of the storm is Hardik. After MI determined to switch Rohit Sharma with the returning Pandya as their captain, they have been hopeful Hardik would be capable to flip their fortunes – MI haven’t gained an IPL title since 2020 – however nobody would have envisioned the way during which issues panned out. MI struggled all through their IPL 2024 marketing campaign, particularly with Hardik being subjected to limitless hostility. Wherever he went, the MI captain was pulled down with fixed booing and jeering, which did nothing to raise his morale.
With MI virtually performed and dusted this 12 months, Hardik's subsequent project is the T20 World Cup, with Wasim Jaffer popping out in help of the star all-rounder. With MI's unofficial ouster, Hardik coped extra hate, however Jaffer, the previous India opener, condemned the general public conduct and consoled Pandya to hold in there.
“Criticize his efficiency as a lot as you need but it surely's extraordinarily disappointing to see the fixed private trolling and assaults. Keep robust @hardikpandya7 subsequent month you'll be enjoying essential knocks in WC and the identical individuals shall be singing your reward,” Jaffer posted. on X.
What subsequent for Hardik Pandya
With MI not making it to the Playoffs and Royal Challengers Bengaluru quickly becoming a member of them on the best way out, Hardik, together with the likes of Rohit and Virat Kohli are anticipated to be a part of the primary bunch that leaves for the Caribbean on Could 21. After a stream present with MI which noticed Hardik scoring 197 runs and selecting six wickets from 10 matches, Pandya would need to flip issues round in what guarantees to be the largest World Cup of his profession. At present on the crossroads, Hardik, as Rohit's deputy has the chance to proper all wrongs when the T20 World Cup will get underway from June 2 within the West Indies and USA.
He doesn't get the due credit score however Hardik performed a vital position together with Virat Kohli within the 2022 T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan on the MCG. Sadly, Hardik couldn’t full the 2023 ODI World Cup final 12 months after injuring his ankle in the course of the Bangladesh recreation but when there may be ever a extra opportune time for redemption, that is it. Hardik captained India to an ODI victory in West Indies final 12 months however confronted defeat within the T20Is, marking WI's first-ever win over India in a five-match T20I collection. As vice-captain, Hardik may have greater position and tasks to carry out, and Jaffer can be hoping his prediction comes true.
