Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan was critical of MI captain Hardik Pandya's captaincy and performance in their first home game of the IPL 2024 against Rajasthan Royals. Despite Pandya's 34-run knock, MI could only muster a substandard score of 125/9 and eventually lost the match. Pathan was not happy with the set MI batters not going on to take their side to a bigger total and in a veiled dig at Pandya, said that once the batter is set, he should take the team through. Furthermore, Pandya's decision to start with Jasprit Bumrah and Kwena Maphaka instead of bowling the first over himself also came under criticism.
Irfan Pathan Slams Hardik Pandya's Captaincy and Performance in MI's Loss
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has criticized Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya's decision-making and performance in their first home game of the IPL 2024 against Rajasthan Royals. Despite Pandya's 34-run knock, MI could only muster a substandard score of 125/9 and eventually lost the match.
Pathan, who was covering the match as a commentator, expressed his disappointment with the set MI batters not going on to take their side to a bigger total. He also took a veiled dig at Pandya, saying that once the batter is set, he should take the team through.
"Once you're set, you need to take the team through. You can't just throw your wicket away. That's what happened today. MI had a great start, but they couldn't capitalize on it," Pathan said.
Pathan also criticized Pandya's decision to start with Jasprit Bumrah and Kwaine Mapanza instead of bowling the first over himself.
"I think Hardik should have started with himself. He's one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. He should have used his experience to set the tone for the innings," Pathan added.
Pandya's captaincy has been under scrutiny since he took over the reins from Rohit Sharma. MI have won just two of their first five matches in IPL 2024.
FAQs
1. Why did Irfan Pathan criticize Hardik Pandya? Pathan criticized Pandya's captaincy and performance in MI's loss against Rajasthan Royals. He questioned Pandya's decision-making and said that set batters need to take the team through.
2. What was Pathan's main criticism of Pandya? Pathan's main criticism was that Pandya did not start with himself as a bowler and that he should have used his experience to set the tone for the innings.
3. What is the current status of MI in IPL 2024? MI have won just two of their first five matches in IPL 2024 and are currently languishing in the bottom half of the table.
4. What is Pathan's background? Pathan is a former India all-rounder who represented the country in 29 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 40 T20Is. He was a key member of India's 2011 World Cup-winning team.
5. What is Pandya's background? Pandya is a current India all-rounder who has played 11 Tests, 73 ODIs, and 83 T20Is for the country. He is known for his aggressive batting and fiery bowling.
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