'Rohit Is His Captain... He Doesn't See Hardik As His...' - Irfan Pathan On Star MI Seamer
Hardik Pandya is MI's current leader for IPL 2024 (AP Photo)
After Mumbai Indians' (MI) last game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Monday evening, Irfan Pathan - who was on the Hindi commentary - hinted about MI being a divided dressing room in terms of considering Hardik Pandya as their leader after the controversial change of MI's captaincy ahead of the season.
Pathan shared his observation from Mumbai's earlier game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) where the Kings required 12 runs from the final over with just one wicket in hand.
Akash Madhwal was responsible for defending the runs. Irfan observed how Madhwal was more focused on Rohit during the discussion between the bowler, captain and Sharma before the final over.
The ex-India all-rounder felt that Hardik was a mere observer in the pre-final over discussion and all made a remark.
"There were three of them standing and Akash (Madhwal) was only listening and talking only to Rohit (Sharma) to discuss the field setting. This only happens when you have your confidence in one man and think 'This is my captain, not the other guy.' MI will need to change this thing and I know Hardik (Pandya) is fully capable of doing this."
Mumbai Indians eventually won that game but went on to falter again in the next game against RR, who comprehensively beat them by 9 wickets.
Of late, Pandya has been under huge scrutiny for his leadership skills and the divided camps being made in the MI dugout. Former cricketers and pundits, especially Pathan, have been pretty vocal in criticising the current Mumbai Indians captain.
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