Virender Sehwag criticised MI’s decision to experiment with the batting order, holding up Hardik and Tim David late against KKR.
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag heavily criticised the batting order decisions made by the Mumbai Indians (MI) during their recent 24-run defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Chasing a target of 170 runs, MI found themselves in a precarious position at 70/5 by the 11th over. However, the decision to send in big-hitters Hardik Pandya and Tim David much later in the batting order at No. 7 and No. 8, respectively, drew Sehwag’s criticism.
“Mumbai Indians saved Hardik Pandya and Tim David. What did you achieve by doing that? There were many deliveries left, and they all got out. You could’ve come earlier, or maybe you could’ve finished the game earlier, too. I don’t know what happens to them when they chase…Hardik Pandya at seven and Tim David at 8. I just don’t understand what they did. Are these players that bad that they will get out if they come earlier?” said Sehwag on Cricbuzz.
Sehwag further questioned the logic behind altering Pandya’s successful batting position from his Gujarat Titans captaincy days. “Hardik Pandya batted at No. 4 consistently when he was the captain of GT. What has changed here? It baffles me that the experienced players are coming in so low,” he added.
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While Pandya managed only one run before being dismissed by Andre Russell, David scored a slow 24 runs off 20 balls. This loss marked MI’s eighth defeat and significantly weakened their chances of reaching the playoffs.
Sehwag expressed his disappointment with MI’s overall performance this season and urged the management to take action. “I’m baffled by this. The management needs to take serious action against the players and ask them what’s going wrong. Or, the players should speak up if their batting positions are being changed without explanation. The captain, batting coach, bowling coach, and support staff are all accountable here. The owners need to ask tough questions,” Virender added.
Sehwag concluded by criticising the team’s experimentation with the batting order at such a crucial stage. “If you’re thinking about next season, you should be considering who should bat where today, not in 2025! How can you focus on the future when you’re struggling in the present? If you were in a good position to qualify for the playoffs, then maybe experimentation could be considered. But you’re barely winning, and you’re experimenting with the batting order?” remarked the veteran cricketer.
MI’s string of losses continued with May 3rd’s defeat, and their dream run for the playoffs has been virtually erased. Nevertheless, the Mumbai camp will try to salvage their losing streak on May 6th against SRH.
Last Updated on May 4, 2024
