Irfan Pathan, the former India all-rounder, recently shared his thoughts on a viral video involving Rohit Sharma, Akash Madhwal, and Hardik Pandya during Mumbai Indians‘ IPL 2024 game against Punjab Kings. Pathan’s comments shed light on some interesting dynamics within the team, particularly regarding the captaincy and batting form of Hardik Pandya.
Pathan’s comments came in response to a video that went viral during Mumbai Indians’ game against Punjab Kings. The video showed a discussion between Rohit Sharma, Akash Madhwal, and Hardik Pandya before the start of the final over, where MI needed to defend 12 runs. In the video, Madhwal seemed to be solely focused on Rohit Sharma, ignoring Hardik Pandya’s inputs. This led Pathan to suggest that some players might still see Rohit Sharma as their captain, even though Hardik is officially leading the team.
Pathan remarked, “In the previous match, there was a very interesting situation that unfolded. Before the final over, Rohit Sharma, Akash Madhwal, and Hardik Pandya were standing together. It was a full-on pressure situation. Akash Madhwal was only looking at Rohit Sharma. Only talking to him as to what sort of field to set. Now that happens when you have confidence that ‘This guy [Rohit], not the other one [Hardik] is my captain. This thing needs to change which I feel Hardik can.”
Furthermore, Pathan expressed concerns about Hardik Pandya’s batting form. He noted a decline in Hardik’s ability to hit big shots, which has been a crucial aspect of his game in the past. Pathan highlighted that Hardik struggles on pitches that assist bowlers, which has become a cause for worry for Mumbai Indians.
He added, “Hardik Pandya’s hitting ability is going down. That’s a big worry in the larger picture. At the Wankhede he is different but on pitches where there is little help is what is worrisome for him.
Pathan’s comments come at a crucial time for Mumbai Indians, as they are currently facing challenges in IPL 2024. Placed 7th on the points table, MI needs to win all their remaining games and hope for other results to go their way to secure a place in the top four.
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