Tim David praised Mumbai Indians’ captain, Hardik Pandya, stating that despite concerns over his form, Pandya’s performance has exceptionally supported the team, allowing other batters to thrive.
In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Mumbai Indians’ Tim David has reassured fans and critics alike regarding skipper Hardik Pandya’s form. Despite Pandya’s moderate stats with 108 runs from four matches at an average of 27 and a strike rate of 138.46, which includes 11 fours and three sixes, he remains confident in Pandya’s abilities.
Ahead of the crucial match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 11, David reaffirmed their trust in Pandya, citing instances like his impactful start in the first game with two boundaries in two balls.
“Hardik has been phenomenal in the way he has been playing for the team. That is what we need at some point. Sometimes it is me, sometimes it is other guys. You could go look at the first game where Hardik hit two boundaries in his first two balls. (We have) absolutely full faith in him. We know his power; we know how good he is. When he gets into that situation, he is going to win games for us,” David was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
“Look at the last match, we struggled really hard for momentum towards the back end (against Delhi Capitals). Hardik played a perfect innings that set the platform for myself and Romario (Shepherd) to go on with at the end. We got ourselves to a platform and he got that one ball that he could have hit for six. He hit it high on the bat and missed the middle and he is out (and) that is how the game goes,” he added.
The Impact Player rule in IPL, allowing an extra batter, remains a topic of interest. While some see it as an advantage, David believes it can have mixed results. He noted that while teams like KKR benefit from aggressive batting, it can lead to collapses, as seen against Chennai Super Kings.
Mumbai Indians secured their first win in IPL 2024, a 29-run victory over Delhi Capitals, after losses to Gujarat, Hyderabad, and Rajasthan. Their next match is against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 11 at Wankhede, Mumbai.
Last Updated on April 11, 2024
Senior Sports Copywriter
