Mumbai Indians (MI) suffered their fifth league defeat against the top-ranked Rajasthan Royals (RR). Despite a slow start, Mumbai managed to post a defendable total of 179, thanks to key contributions from Tilak Varma and Nehal Wadhera. There are questions raised over Hardik Pandya‘s captaincy after the side’s dismal performance in IPL 2024. Hardik Pandya hasn’t been able to dictate the opposition like he used to do for his former IPL franchise Gujarat Titans (GT)
Sandeep Sharma’s outstanding performance in the first innings, where he claimed a five-wicket haul, led to the best bowling figures in the IPL. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had been struggling with form, scored his second consecutive century against Mumbai Indians, dismantling their bowling attack.
Aakash Chopra Criticizes Hardik Pandya’s Leadership
Hardik Pandya, now captain of Mumbai Indians, has been criticized by Aakash Chopra for his performance compared to his tenure with Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2022. Chopra expressed concerns about Pandya’s management of the team and his current form, particularly his reluctance to bat higher up the order and lead from the front.
Chopra questioned Pandya’s decision to bat lower in the order, as it affects his ability to make significant contributions to the game. He emphasized that Pandya should be batting at number five, his traditional position, to maximize his impact as an all-rounder and team captain.
Mumbai Indians, despite having a strong squad on paper, are struggling in all aspects of the game due to Pandya’s batting position and inconsistent leadership. Against Rajasthan Royals, Pandya opted to send Mohammed Nabi in to bat early, even though he could have been more effective in that role.
“Hardik Pandya is the kind of batter who, if he scored 10 runs off 10 balls at the start, can score 75 off 40 after that. He will have to give himself time. He will have to come up with the order, which he is not doing. I feel the resources could have been utilized slightly better. He pushed himself too low, which, in my opinion, wasn’t a great thing to do,” Aakash Chopra noted.
Chopra believes Pandya’s approach of batting lower in the order and playing erratically is damaging to both his performance and the team’s chances of success. He urged Pandya to take responsibility, bat higher in the order, and play with more intent to help his team turn around their fortunes.
Rajasthan Royals secured another victory against Mumbai Indians, earning 2 points, and pushing MI closer to elimination.