Mumbai Indians’ second consecutive loss in IPL 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad saw scrutiny of captain Hardik Pandya’s decisions, notably by commentator Steve Smith.
In their second match of IPL 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians faced their second consecutive defeat, losing by 31 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on March 27. Opting to bat first, Sunrisers Hyderabad set a mammoth IPL record total of 277/3 in 20 overs. Despite a valiant effort, Mumbai could only manage 246/5 in their chase.
Following the loss, Hardik Pandya’s captaincy once again received criticism, notably from commentator Steve Smith, who expressed confusion over Pandya’s bowling decisions. When speaking on Star Sports, Smith questioned the timing of introducing Jasprit Bumrah into the attack, noting that Bumrah bowled early but wasn’t utilized again until the 13th over.
In both of Mumbai Indians’ opening IPL 2024 fixtures, Pandya opted to bowl before Bumrah, with Pandya conceding 12 runs in the second over and Bumrah performing well in the fourth, giving away only five runs.
“I was perplexed with some of their bowling changes in the first innings for Mumbai. Bumrah bowled in the fourth over, he went for 5 and then we didn’t see him again till the 13th over when they were on 173,” Smith said.
“All the damage had been done, you needed your best bowler to be coming back and take some wickets in that period and I think they missed a trick there bringing him back only in the 13th over,” he added.
Mumbai’s consecutive losses leave them second to last on the points table. Their upcoming match against Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium on April 1 marks their first home game of the season, presenting an opportunity to turn their fortunes around.
Last Updated on March 28, 2024
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