Tom Moody warned Hardik Pandya about the challenges of captaincy, emphasizing that while he has a supportive team, scrutiny and pressure accompany leadership roles in cricket.
The 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to kick off on March 22, with the spotlight on the Mumbai Indians, whom the new captain Hardik Pandya will lead. Pandya took over the reins from Rohit Sharma after being traded from the Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash deal.
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When speaking on ESPNCricinfo, former Australian cricketer Tom Moody praised Pandya’s skills but cautioned about the challenges of captaincy. Moody highlighted Pandya’s strong support system within the team but warned about the scrutiny and criticism that comes with leadership, especially during tough times.
“He has got a team that will back up and take away the pressure of inconsistent performances. He will have the support of the Indian and overseas players because he is a highly respected cricketer and a performer as an all-rounder,” Moody said.
“But, captaincy can be a completely different game once you lose two or three games and suddenly they pick holes out of your leadership, they pick holes out of the decisions you make,” he added.
Moody also highlighted Hardik Pandya’s leadership credentials, citing his success with the Gujarat Titans, where he led the team to their maiden IPL title in 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2023. He praised Pandya’s tactics and highlighted the support he’ll receive from senior players.
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As the IPL season nears, Pandya’s first challenge will be facing his former team, Gujarat Titans, on March 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Last Updated on March 20, 2024
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