“Backing the struggling Hardik Pandya in his captaincy role for the Mumbai Indians, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag voiced apprehensions regarding the team’s performance under his leadership.”
In a significant setback to Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2024 campaign, the Hardik Pandya-led squad suffered a comprehensive defeat at the hands of the Rajasthan Royals on Monday. With just six points from 8 matches, MI now faces the daunting task of winning all remaining fixtures to secure a playoff berth. Criticism has mounted against Pandya, both for his lackluster performances as a player and as captain, continuing a trend since he took over from Rohit Sharma. However, legendary Indian batsman Virender Sehwag suggests that Pandya should embrace the pressure. Sehwag points out that even Rohit Sharma didn’t secure an IPL title in the past 2-3 seasons, and urges Hardik to prioritize self-improvement amid fan expectations.
Sehwag pointed out, “I don’t sense he’s buckling under external pressure. It might be the weight of his own aspirations. Mumbai Indians encountered similar challenges last year and even before, when Rohit Sharma struggled to make an impact as captain. In the past 2-3 years, Rohit Sharma also didn’t clinch the title. Mumbai Indians are no strangers to this scenario. If Pandya is burdened by lofty expectations, underperforming individually, and witnessing team defeats under his leadership, then adjustments are needed.”
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” Virender Sehwag’s Strategic Advice: Elevate Hardik Pandya in Mumbai Indians’ Batting Order”
Sehwag further recommended that Hardik elevate himself in the batting order to gain more time at the crease and bolster his confidence. Despite previously batting at No. 4 for Gujarat Titans, Pandya found himself at No. 7 against RR, even as his team lost three early wickets during the powerplay.
Mumbai Indians are well aware of the challenges they face, and only by performing collectively can they overcome them. However, if Hardik Pandya harbors the expectation that he must excel both with bat and ball, and if the team’s results under his leadership add to that pressure, it’s counterproductive. Sehwag emphasizes that for Pandya to thrive, he must elevate his batting position. With limited opportunities down the order, facing only about 18 balls, his potential remains untapped. By granting himself a higher batting slot, Pandya can unlock his full potential, leading to improvements in his bowling and captaincy as well.
“Mumbai Indians’ Struggle: Pandya’s Captaincy Under Fire Amidst IPL Setbacks”
The Mumbai Indians, champions on five occasions, last clinched the Indian Premier League trophy in 2020. However, Pandya’s comeback to the franchise has been overshadowed by criticism and disappointing displays. Taking over from the immensely successful Rohit Sharma as captain, Pandya has endured jeers from fans and ridicule on social platforms. Mumbai Indians have faltered under Pandya’s leadership, enduring five defeats in eight matches, with their most recent setback occurring against the Rajasthan Royals on Monday evening.
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