Irfan Pathan Criticizes Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy in Mumbai Indians’ IPL Defeat

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has voiced strong criticism of Hardik Pandya’s decisions during the Mumbai Indians’ recent defeat against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Pathan highlighted Pandya’s strategic errors, notably not utilizing Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball and the controversial batting order promotion of Tim David.

In his critique, Pathan pointed out that Pandya’s choice to bowl himself in the initial overs and delaying Bumrah’s entry into the attack was a significant blunder. Bumrah, upon his late introduction, demonstrated his value by taking critical wickets, including that of Wriddhiman Saha and David Miller, which were pivotal in curtailing Gujarat Titans’ score. However, Pathan argues these moves came too late to impact the game’s outcome favorably for Mumbai Indians.

Further scrutinizing Pandya’s tactics, Pathan criticized the decision to promote Tim David in the batting order, a move he perceives as Pandya’s reluctance to face bowler Rashid Khan. Despite Pandya’s valiant effort in the final over, where he hit a six and a four off Umesh Yadav, the Mumbai Indians fell short, continuing their losing streak against the Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Pathan’s comments underscore a challenging start for Pandya’s captaincy tenure with Mumbai Indians.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright