Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan took to social media to express his dismay following Mumbai Indians’ recent loss to Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024. Pathan, known for his candid opinions, seemed to target MI skipper Hardik Pandya in his cryptic tweets.
Pathan’s frustration with Pandya’s leadership has been evident throughout the season. After Mumbai’s disastrous start losing four wickets in the powerplay, Pathan’s tweet seemed to suggest disappointment with Pandya’s inability to see the team through after getting set.
In his tweet, Pathan emphasized the importance of staying at the crease once a batsman is well set. While he didn’t explicitly mention Pandya, fans speculated that the critique was directed towards the MI captain.
Pandya’s Crucial Wicket Turns the Tide
Hardik Pandya’s dismissal in the 10th over marked a turning point in the match. Attempting a big shot off Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling, Pandya fell short, caught by substitute fielder Rovman Powell. Pandya’s departure halted MI’s momentum and allowed RR to gain control of the game.
Pathan’s subsequent tweet hinted at the necessity for Pandya to lead from the front to earn respect from his teammates. The all-rounder’s failure to capitalize on his start reflected poorly on his leadership qualities, according to Pathan.
Pandya Acknowledges Batting Shortcomings
In the post-match presentation, Hardik Pandya admitted his disappointment with his batting performance. Acknowledging the need to convert starts into big scores, Pandya regretted his dismissal at a crucial juncture of the game.
Expressing his desire to counterattack and set a challenging target, Pandya conceded that his wicket allowed RR to claw their way back into the match. Despite the challenging surface for batting, Pandya accepted responsibility for MI’s below-par total.
Mumbai Indians Face Uphill Battle in IPL 2024
With three consecutive losses, Mumbai Indians find themselves languishing at the bottom of the IPL 2024 points table. Their next challenge awaits them against Delhi Capitals, where Pandya and his team will look to turn their fortunes around.
Conclusion
Irfan Pathan’s critical tweets have ignited debate surrounding Hardik Pandya’s leadership and batting performance for Mumbai Indians. As the team struggles to find its rhythm in IPL 2024, Pandya faces mounting pressure to deliver both as a player and captain.
You can also check out Removal of Rohit Sharma Sparks Controversy in Mumbai Indians Camp IPL 2024
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