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IPL 2024: Discontent simmers within Mumbai Indians as senior players reportedly question the team's functioning under Hardik Pandya's leadership. Currently languishing in ninth place, MI's decision to replace five-time IPL champion captain Rohit Sharma with Pandya has faced criticism from fans and may be causing internal friction as well. As per The Indian Express, senior players have expressed concerns to the coaching staff about a lack of team spirit in the locker room, attributing it to Pandya's leadership style.
An MI official offered perspective, stating this wasn't a leadership crisis but a natural consequence of a leadership change. They acknowledged that a team that thrived under Rohit Sharma for ten years is still undergoing a transition as they adjust to Hardik Pandya at the helm.
“These are regular teething problems for a team that sees leadership change. This happens in sports all the time,” he said.
Following a recent loss, reports emerged of a team meeting involving players and coaching staff to address Mumbai Indians' struggles. Senior players like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah reportedly used this opportunity to openly discuss the team's issues and potential solutions during a post-game meal.
Sources also suggest further discussions have taken place. Apparently, some senior players have held individual meetings with team management representatives to delve deeper into the concerns.
This news follows controversy surrounding Hardik Pandya's post-match comments after the Delhi Capitals loss. He reportedly criticized young batsman Tilak Varma, the team's highest scorer in that match, for lacking ‘match awareness’. This incident has likely added fuel to the fire of internal discussions.
“When Axar Patel (DC bowler) was bowling to a left-hander (Tilak), the better option could have been to go after him. I think it was just a little game awareness that we missed out on. At the end of the day, that cost us the game,” Hardik had said after the match against DC.
Tensions reportedly rose within the Mumbai Indians' dressing room after a player was singled out for the team's struggles. This incident adds to speculation around the team's internal dynamics. Cricket experts have commented on a lack of cohesion, and former Australian captain Michael Clarke even suggested the franchise might be fractured.
“I think there are different groups inside that changing room and something is not working. They are not gelling together, they are not playing as a team,” Clarke had suggested.
Following their usual post-season tradition, MI officials will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the team's performance. Based on this review, they will determine if changes are needed to ensure the team's success going forward.
Mumbai Indians' quest for a sixth IPL title were dashed as they officially got eliminated from IPL 2024 following SRH's dominant win over LSG on May 8. MI are currently reeling at ninth spot in the points table with just four wins and eight defeats in 12 games. They secured their most recent IPL title in 2019 and 2020, bringing their total to five trophies. However, playoff appearances have been scarce since then, with only a single showing in 2023 where they were defeated by Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.
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