In the fifth match of IPL 2024, MI had to face defeat at the hands of Gujarat Titans. Mumbai seemed to be in a very strong position at one time but Gujarat bowlers turned the match with brilliant bowling. Meanwhile, Irfan Pathan has raised many questions on the captaincy of Hardik Pandya.
Mumbai Indians had to face defeat in the first match of IPL 2024 played against Gujarat Titans. At one time Mumbai seemed to be in a very strong position, but in the last overs the victory slipped away from the team’s hands. Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has blamed Hardik’s poor captaincy for the defeat against Gujarat.
What did Irfan say on Hardik’s captaincy?
(Irfan Pathan while talking to Star Sports said, “Hardik Pandya made many mistakes in the match. It was a major error for him to bowl two overs by himself during the powerplay. Jasprit Bumrah arrived too late to play bowling. Secondly, when Mumbai was chasing, he promoted Tim David up the batting order. He sent Tim David in to bat when Rashid had one over left.”)
Was Hardik afraid of Rashid?
According to Irfan Pathan, Hardik Pandya himself did not want to face Rashid Khan. He stated, “I believe that Hardik was reluctant to play Rashid Khan since he had not played cricket in a long time. Maybe this might have been the case. I do not agree that an experienced Indian batsman is sitting in your dressing room. And on top of that you send a foreign player to face Rashid Khan under pressure.”)
MI lost the won match
Mumbai Indians were looking in a very good position against Gujarat Titans at one time. The team needed 43 runs in 5 overs. The team management decided to send Tim David over Hardik Pandya. David looked completely helpless in front of Rashid Khan and Rashid spent only 4 runs in the 16th over. After this, Mohit Sharma also maintained this pressure and made Tim David walk. Hardik hit two powerful shots in the last over, but Umesh Yadav sealed Gujarat’s victory by dismissing the Mumbai captain.
Idk the reason, but i want this man to fail badly.#GTvsMI pic.twitter.com/cI5am4iANx
— Muzamil Rashid (@itsMRR06) March 24, 2024Read More: KL Rahul warns teams despite defeat in first match against Rajasthan
