Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya‘s fitness and bowling ability have come under scrutiny after he conceded 26 runs in the final over against Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2024 clash at the Wankhede Stadium. Of those runs, 20 were smashed by MS Dhoni, who played a crucial role in CSK’s victory.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan criticized Hardik’s decision to bowl the last over, questioning his faith in Akash Madhwal’s bowling and his own ability in the death overs. Pathan expressed his frustration at Hardik’s bowling against Dhoni, suggesting that he lacks the necessary skills for such crucial moments.
On the other hand, former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist, while acknowledging Hardik’s confidence in taking on the challenge, pointed out that his bowling seemed “scattered” and lacking fluency. Gilchrist raised concerns about Hardik’s fitness, suggesting that he may not be completely fit to bowl.
“This was the second time that an expert has raised concerns over Hardik’s fitness in terms of bowling amid the auditions for the T20 World Cup,” Gilchrist said.
Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee also commented on the situation, saying that while he understood Hardik’s decision to bowl the last over, it turned out to be the wrong call in hindsight. Lee highlighted the importance of making the right decisions in high-pressure situations like the IPL.
“If he came in and bowled two bit of yorkers, contained him for eight runs, made people wicket, that’s a great cap scene. So I could see that ownership of him trying to look after his bowler at the other end, mud wall, saying, well, I don’t want to put him under any more pressure. Going for twelve and a half and over, I’ll do it by myself. But it turned out it wasn’t the right call. And he has to live by that. Has to live by that,” Lee said.
Overall, Hardik Pandya’s bowling performance has raised questions about his fitness and ability to perform under pressure, especially in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup later this year.
Source: Hindustan Times News
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