IPL 2024: File photo of MI trio Jasprit Bumruta, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma© BCCI/IPL
An interesting report on Thursday claimed that the Mumbai Indians camp might not be a happy place due to captaincy Hardik Pandya. According to reports, MI bosses have doubts about the five-time champions' ability to function under new captain Hardik Pandya. MI becomes the first team to be officially eliminated from the IPL 2024 playoff race. Much different from the days when MI dominated his IPL. The report added that MI's key players feel “lifeless” in the dressing room due to captaincy Hardik Pandya.
According to Indian Express, AB De Villiers took a deep dive into how MI's campaign fared in IPL 2024.
“Very disappointing for MI. We have been rooting for them from the beginning to qualify for the knockout stage, but that won't happen. What went wrong? Last 4 seasons – 5th place in 2021 , 10th in 2022, 4th in 2023 and 9th. The game was good, but it was too late. So, Rohit Sharma said, “I have played under many captains. “What is being asked of me is nothing new, and I've been doing it for the past month.” 'If you want, read a little bit about it,' he said on his YouTube channel.
“Hardik Pandya's captaincy style is quite brave. It's ego-driven in a way and it's heart-pounding. The way he walks on the field is always authentic to who he really is. I don't think so, but that's what he decided to do.'' That's his way of captaincy. He is cool, calm, always has a smile on his face, and plays with his heart held high. But when you play with experienced players who have been playing for many years, they don't accept that. Things worked out well for GT when it was a young team, but inexperienced players prefer to follow that kind of leadership. ”
De Villiers suggested that it might not have been the best strategy if they had strong players like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah in the side.
“I remember Graham Smith. He was there for the team. All I needed as a youngster was to follow. Now we have Rohit, we have Bumrah. They say, “All we need is calmness.'' Give me some input on how to win games. I don't need bravado. I watch him play with his heart on his sleeve. As a batter, I believed that sometimes you have to cheat to get through the game. When I'm feeling the most scared or in the heat of battle, I'm soft-spoken. You can't be AB, that's the only way. To counter that, you have to hold your head high and make eye contact with the opponent, but if you can overcome that hurdle, it gives you confidence.” said.
“Hardik understands that. But it takes a special senior player to buy into that. You see? If you fool it, we will follow. That's what MI is going to do this season. Don't assume it worked. Remember, I'm just guessing.'' Doesn't mean it's true. ”
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