Hardik Pandya‘s return to Mumbai Indians’ (MI) as their captain has been far from ideal. After two losses and facing criticism from fans and experts alike, Pandya’s leadership is under scrutiny.
As MI face Rajasthan Royals for their first home match at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. All eyes will be on Hardik Pandya and how the crowd will welcome the former Gujarat Titans captain.
Here we look at some of the reasons why Hardik Pandya is facing such harsh criticism from Mumbai Indians faithful.
Jasprit Bumrah underutilization
A major point of contention is Hardik Pandya’s handling of Jasprit Bumrah, arguably India’s best fast bowler. In both matches, Bumrah has been brought into the attack much later than expected, only bowling one over in the powerplay. This decision has drawn criticism from former cricketers like Tom Moody and Steve Smith.
Hardik Pandya Bowling Choice
Hardik Pandya’s decision to take the new ball himself in both matches hasn’t yielded positive results. He has conceded a significant number of runs in his opening spells, raising questions about his effectiveness in this role.
Hardik Pandya’s Batting Position
Hardik Pandya’s batting position has also been a topic of discussion. During his successful stint with Gujarat Titans, he thrived at No. 4. However, with MI, he has batted lower down the order at No. 5 and No. 7, leading some to speculate that he might be avoiding facing specific bowlers.
Communication with Rohit Sharma
Instances of Hardik Pandya seemingly directing Rohit Sharma’s fielding placements during matches have sparked questions about their on-field communication. While some see it as a new captain asserting his authority, others wonder if it indicates a potential lack of clarity in leadership roles.
Divided Opinions on Hardik Pandya’s captaincy
Opinions on Hardik Pandya’s captaincy are divided. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan has been a vocal critic, highlighting Bumrah’s underutilization and Pandya’s own batting choices. However, R Ashwin has defended Pandya, attributing the negativity to “fan wars” and urging fans to support the team.
Can Hardik Pandya Turn Things Around?
With the team facing a hostile reception and struggling to find their rhythm, Hardik Pandya has a tough road ahead. His leadership decisions and on-field performance in the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining whether he can silence the critics and usher in a successful new era for Mumbai Indians.
