Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya in action during IPL 2024© BCCI
Mumbai Indians' decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain in place of Rohit Sharma ahead of the IPL 2024 was not accepted by a section of their fanbase. Hardik, who completed a sensational trade from Gujarat Titans, ended Rohit's ten-year tenure as skipper but the fans were not happy with the decision and he was booed at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Things did not improve as Mumbai Indians have won just three of their eight matches and are facing an uphill battle in the race for the IPL 2024 play-offs. During a discussion on Cricbuzz, former New Zealand international Simon Doull and legendary Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist were asked to rate Hardik's captaincy this season and both were not entirely convinced with the way he has led the side so far.
“It's hard to take over a franchise that is so legendary and successful. He obviously had good captaincy at Gujarat, you don't lose that. I think he's growing into it, but he still has work to do.” Doul said.
“I don't see him getting it right strategically. I think some changes in batting position, some bowling changes at certain times, just the overall strategy, I don't think he's got it quite right as a captain,” Gilchrist added.
Earlier, six-time IPL winner Ambati Rayudu opened up about the chances of Hardik making his place in the Indian squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“They are not both competing for the same spot. Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are finishers in the Indian team, and Shivam Dube is the kind of batsman who comes in at number 4 or 5. If the spinners are working and the conditions are good slow, he can boundaries hitting and accelerating to change the game. But between 16 and 20, Dube's strike rate is not that high, he doesn't manage to hit that many runs. So I think Hardik and Jadeja play that role in the Indian team,” said Rayudu on Star Sports.
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