Batting at No. 7, Hardik managed solely 10 runs and conceded 37 runs in his 4 overs with out securing a wicket. The choice to raise Hardik as MI skipper over Rohit Sharma garnered criticism from followers and consultants.
With the five-time champions languishing in seventh place within the factors desk, scrutiny continues to mount. Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan means that Hardik appears to be searching for straightforward options to rediscover his type, warning that continued underperformance may render him the ‘weak hyperlink’ for his crew.
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“Mumbai Indians continues to be an excellent crew on paper however being managed very poorly. Particularly, if Hardik Pandya as a frontrunner lacks type, he’ll develop into a weak hyperlink for his personal crew. What I’m most anxious about is that he’s affecting his personal hitting talents. It is a matter of concern – even for the Indian crew. It appears as if he’s on the lookout for straightforward methods to come back again to type and desires to maintain himself in a snug place. And that’s how he won’t be able to win the respect of his crew and teammates,” Pathan mentioned in a video.
Pathan expressed dismay over a few of Pandya’s selections throughout the sport, highlighting that such actions may diminish his standing throughout the crew. Pandya’s option to demote himself to No. 7 regardless of his expertise batting at No. four for Gujarat Titans, and his determination to bowl the opening over as a substitute of counting on seasoned bowler Jasprit Bumrah, drew explicit criticism.
“When the batters do nicely, he involves bat at No. 3. And right here, he despatched Nehal Wadhera and Mohammad Nabi forward of himself. He would not come at a place the place he must do the robust job. If as a frontrunner, it’s a must to earn your teammates’ respect, he is received to do the robust duties; do not search for straightforward methods. He bowls the primary over considering that he’ll escape, however even there, he will get struck for two fours, helps Buttler get in type, after which when Bumrah bowls, Buttler will get the boldness to play him out,” Pathan additional mentioned.
