Hardik Pandya has been facing one too many hurdles in his cricketing career these days. After taking the baton from ex Captain Rohit Sharma and becoming the captain for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, Pandya has already amassed a lot of hate and boos from the fans.Â
What’s adding fuel to this fire is his gameplay. While MI won 5 IPL trophies under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, Pandya’s decisions aren’t working out in the team’s favor. MI is currently situated at number 8 on the points table, after losing their last match against Rajasthan Royals.
Gilchrist speaks up about Pandya
Simon Doull and Adam Gilchrist, who were speaking to Cricbuzz, gave Hardik’s MI captaincy a low rating. The two believed that the all-round player required more time and that his decisions as captain weren’t “strategically” sound.
“It is a tough thing to come and take over a franchise that is so storied and successful. He obviously had good captaincy skills at Gujarat, you don’t lose those. I think he is growing into it but he’s still got work to do,” said Doull.
“I am not seeing him strategically getting it right. I think some batting positional changes, some bowling changes at certain times, just overall strategy, I don’t think as captain he’s quite got it right,” Gilchrist added.
Pandya’s return to MI didn’t turn out to be a blessing
Pandya had earlier been auctioned off to Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022. The player did great in favor of GT, leading to his demand increasing.
Lo and behold, Hardik did return to MI, and this time, the team was meant to begin a fresh chapter with the skipper. There’s a new chapter starting, but it’s one of complete turmoil. With six points after eight games, the five-time winners are now ranked eighth in the IPL 2024 points standings. They are running out of time, and Hardik, who guided the Gujarat Titans to great success, may use some inspiration.
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