Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has slammed Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, saying if he doesn’t do difficult things, he won’t earn his team’s respect. Mumbai suffered their third straight loss under Pandya’s captaincy, succumbing to a 6-wicket loss against Rajasthan.
The all-rounder replaced Rohit Sharma as Mumbai’s captain for the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League following his successful stint at Gujarat, where he led the team to the IPL title in 2023 and took them to the final last season.
You always want your Leader to do the difficult things. If he doesn’t do it he won’t earn his team’s respect.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 1, 2024
Irfan Pathan slams Hardik Pandya
One of the major points of contention for Pathan was Pandya’s use of star bowler Jasprit Bumrah. In the first two matches, Bumrah was held back until the fourth over. However, in the match against the Rajasthan Royals, Bumrah was introduced in the second over itself. Irfan Pathan tweeted, “Not a rocket science to get your best bowler early on. Finally Bumrah with the new ball. It was forced cos of small total by RR”.
Not a rocket science to get your best bowler early on. Finally Bumrah with the new ball. It was forced cos of small total by RR.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 1, 2024
Irfan Pathan also criticized Pandya’s batting. Despite a brisk start, Pandya got out at a crucial juncture in the innings against the Royals. Pathan tweeted, “Ppl who understand the game well know this. If you are set, you got to see the team thru”.
Ppl who understand the game well know this. If you are set, you got to see the team thru.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 1, 2024
Rajasthan restricted Mumbai to 125 for 9 in the first innings before chasing the under-par target down with 6 wickets and 27 balls remaining. It’s been a tough start for Pandya as MI’s captain, losing the first three matches of IPL 2024 while being constantly booed by crowds wherever he goes. Pandya faced the crowd’s wrath in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and in Mumbai as well.
In the second innings, Riyan Parag continued his impressive form in IPL 2024, smashing a half-century to guide his side to a comfortable win, while also clinching the Orange Cap.
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