Former cricketer Irfan Pathan shared concerns regarding Hardik Pandya’s poor form in IPL 2024.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has sparked a debate by calling out Hardik Pandya’s form slump as a major concern for the Mumbai Indians’ struggles in IPL 2024.
Pathan, a member of India’s victorious T20 World Cup team, took to Instagram to express his worries. He pointed out Pandya’s lack of form with both bat and ball, particularly concerning with the T20 World Cup on the horizon.
“The Mumbai Indians are still a very good team on paper but are being managed very poorly. Especially if Hardik Pandya, as a leader, lacks form, he will become a weak link for his own team. What I am most worried about is that he is affecting his own hitting abilities. This is a matter of concern, even for the Indian team,” said Pathan, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
Further, Pathan criticised Pandya’s approach to regaining form, suggesting he might be avoiding challenges. “It seems as if he is looking for easy ways to come back to form and wants to keep himself in a comfortable position. And that is how he will not be able to win the respect of his team and teammates,” Irfan concluded.
ALSO READ | Ambati Rayudu Opens up on Culture Clash: MI’s ‘Win at All Costs’ Mentality vs CSK’s Calm Approach
Pandya’s struggles are evident in the ongoing season. The 30-year-old all-rounder has yet to score a decent run off his bat, managing only 151 runs in eight matches at an underwhelming average of 21.57. His bowling has not fared much better, failing to pick up wickets in his most recent outing against the Rajasthan Royals.
Mi suffered a 9-wicket defeat against RR, adding to their woes in the tournament. Notably, the team’s performance has raised questions about their strategy and the form of key players like Pandya. With the World Cup approaching, both Pandya and the Mumbai Indians will be under pressure to turn things around.
Currently, the Mumbai Indians sit in the seventh position in the IPL points table and will face the Delhi Capitals on April 27th.
Last Updated on April 23, 2024
