Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians lost their fourth match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premiere League (IPL) 2024. The five-time IPL champions suffered a 20-run defeat against CSK in the IPL Clasico at the Wankhede Stadium on April 14. With this defeat, MI moved down to the eighth spot in the IPL 2024 points table.
MI’s newly-appointed captain Hardik Pandya is yet again under intense scrutiny as he conceded 26 runs in the final over against CSK. Pandya faced criticism even since he replaced Rohit Sharma as skipper ahead of the IPL 2024 and now the situation is not different as he found himself in the line of fire.
After losing the game against CSK, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan slammed Hardik and his choice to bowl the final over as a lack of confidence in alternative bowling options. He also raised doubts about his effectiveness as a bowler in the death overs on his ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter).
“Hardik Pandya bowling the last over showed the lack of faith in Akash madhwal’s bowling and his own lack of skill as a death over bowler,” he tweeted.
Gavaskar and Pietersen also question Hardik's decision-making
Former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Kevin Pietersen also lambasted Hardik’s bowling and questioned his captaincy in the match.
"Oh, absolutely ordinary bowling, ordinary captaincy. They should have been restricted despite the fact that Ruturaj Gaikwad had batted so well along with Shivam Dube. I do believe that they should have been restricted to 185-190," Gavaskar said while speaking on Star Sports.
"Probably the worst kind of bowling that I've seen for a long, long time," Gavaskar said during the innings break after CSK posted 206/4.
Pietersen slammed Hardik’s captaincy for failing to utilise his spinners when the pacers were being hit all over the field.
“He lacked flexibility in his strategy during the match. Despite the seamers leaking runs, Pandya stubbornly stuck to the bowling plan formulated hours earlier rather than adapting as the situation demanded. Even Brian Lara advised bowling spin to change the tempo. A more profound tactical approach was needed.” Pietersen said.
Notably, MI will next face Shikhar Dhawan's Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 18 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium in Punjab.
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