After Akash Madhwal dismisses MI captain Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan possesses Hardik Pandya during an on-air exchange

After the Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2024 match against the Punjab Kings last week, a video starring Rohit Sharma, Akash Madhwal, and Hardik Pandya went viral. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan offered his thoughts on the incident. Plans to halt PBKS were being made, as Madhwal was accompanied by current captain Hardik and previous captain Rohit before the commencement of the final over, which MI had to defend by twelve runs. Rohit temporarily assumed the command as Madhwal disregarded Hardik’s advice and listened to the five-time IPL champion captain’s words. Everything came together in the end, as MI won the game by a score of nine runs.

When MI was struggling at 25/3, batting first against the Rajasthan Royals on Monday, Pathan viciously attacked Hardik during his commentary. Referring to the Madhwal incident, Pathan, a member of the winning squad from the 2007 T20 World Cup, believes that MI and some of its players are likely still perceiving Rohit rather than Hardik as their captain.

“In the last game, a really intriguing scenario developed. Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Akash Madhwal were grouped together before the last over. It was an extreme case of pressure. All that Akash Madhwal could see was Rohit Sharma. Just discussing with him what kind of field to build up. That is what occurs when you are certain that “It’s not Hardik, it’s this guy [Rohit] who is my captain.” Hardik can, in my opinion, make this adjustment,” Pathan said live.

Nor did he stop criticizing Pandya there. Pathan emphasized how Hardik’s ability to play the big shots has decreased, which is understandably concerning, after the MI captain’s dismissal for 10 off 10. Hardik’s ability to smash such huge, towering sixes made him a useful commodity with the bat in the early years after his debut. Hardik has scored several iconic runs for India, including the 75 against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final, the double 90s against Australia, and the 86-ball Test century against Sri Lanka, thanks to his tendency for delivering powerful hits.

Where’s the hitting of Hardik Pandya disappeared to?
However, it seems that Hardik has changed from the hitter who used to terrorize the opposing bowlers. With the exception of the occasional knock, Hardik often has trouble getting behind and in line of the ball, which used to provide him the strength and height he needed to smash a huge one. To put it plainly, Pathan said that Hardik’s batting tends to be a little disappointing if the pitch helps the bowlers in any way.

“Hardik Pandya’s power is diminishing. In the wider perspective, it is a serious concern. He is different at the Wankhede, but he is concerned about pitches where there is not much assistance,” he said.

MI’s hopes of making the playoffs hang in the balance under Hardik. With six points from eight games, MI is now ranked seventh in the standings. To advance, MI must win all of their remaining games and hope for favorable outcomes in other games. Mumbai wants to finish in the top four.