NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians found themselves in a precarious position during the
IPL 2024
. With eight defeats in 11 matches, their chances of qualifying for the play-offs were slim to none. The team's lackluster performance drew sharp criticism from fans and experts alike.
Captain
Hardik Pandya
bore the brunt of the backlash. Questions were raised about his leadership skills and decision-making abilities on the field.
The support staff, too, was not spared from the critical analysis.
Former India opener
Virender Sehwag
, in a conversation with Cricbuzz, pointed out that during his tenure as the captain of Gujarat Titans, Pandya consistently batted at the number four position. Consequently, Sehwag expressed his surprise and confusion upon witnessing seasoned players like Pandya and
Tim David
being relegated to batting positions as low as number seven and eight.
Sehwag urged the team owners to raise serious questions and demand explanations regarding the rationale behind such drastic changes in the batting order. He emphasized the need for clarity and accountability when it comes to making decisions that can significantly impact the team's performance and strategy.
"Hardik Pandya batted at 4 consistently when he was the GT captain. What has happened here? It baffles me that the experienced players are coming so low. I'm baffled by this. Management needs to take severe action on players and ask them what's happening. Or, players should speak up about why their batting positions are changed. The captain, batting coach, bowling coach, and support staff are at fault here. Owners need to ask strict questions," Sehwag said.
"KKR saved Andre Russell; he played only two balls. 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?" he added.
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