IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya in action© BCCI
Mumbai Indians' confidence took another blow. The five-time champions suffered a major defeat against Rajasthan Royals. Batting first, Hardik Pandya and co posted a good total of 179/9 in 20 overs despite RR Sandeep Sharma claiming a five-wicket haul. However, their happiness was short-lived as Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has struggled for form in the current season, hammered an unbeaten ton and took RR over the line with nine wickets in hand. This was MI's fifth defeat in eight games.
After the match, former India batsman Manoj Tiwary slammed captain Hardik's failure to make use of pacer Jasprit Bumrah from the first over against RR.
“If you have Jasprit Bumrah in the line-up, why not bowl him in the first over? Buttler was coming off a hundred, Jaiswal was not in the best form, you have to give your best bowler the best chance to get a to pick a wicket When Hardik Pandya came in, he was hit for two boundaries and that took the shine off the new ball somewhat and the batting margin reduced,” Manoj Tiwary said on Cricbuzz.
“I don't see MI making any progress in the points table because such silly mistakes are being made. If this kind of captaincy continues, MI won't make it to the play-offs. Previously, players were with Rohit Sharma. Now it feels like MI players have done.” I have not bought Hardik Pandya to captain the side,” he added.
Jaiswal hit an unbeaten 104 off 60 balls to help RR to their seventh win of the season in just 18.4 overs.
“Credit has to go to all the players. It started well in the powerplay. In the middle, the left-handers played unbelievable. But the way we came back was where we won the match. Wicket looked a bit dry. But when the lights come in, gets colder at night, it gets better to bat in the second innings. People are professional enough about what to do when they get a break. I don't think he needs (advice from) anyone (Jaiswal). It was about one match. Let's see how the wicket is there (Lucknow) and let's see how it goes,” RR captain Sanju Samson said after the win.
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