Mumbai Indians led by new skipper Hardik Pandya, experienced a setback as they started their campaign with a loss. The five-time champions were defeated by Gujarat Titans on Sunday. Since taking over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma, Pandya has faced significant scrutiny. He must have sensed increased attention and pressure compared to previous seasons.
After the clash between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, a video circulating on social media depicts a conversation between Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah. After Pandya departs, Rohit and Bumrah engage in further discussion which has generated a kind of buzz among the fans on social media.
Mumbai Indians’ batting coach, Kieron Pollard has expressed support for Hardik Pandya’s decision to open the bowling rather than Jasprit Bumrah. Additionally, he mentioned that the choice for the skipper to bat at number seven in their IPL opener against Gujarat Titans was made collectively by the whole management.
When you bring in a Chapri as Captain,having leaders like Rohit & Bumrah in squad,it's bound to happen! Look at his attitude, Am Captain, you do as I say! Bumrah to Rohit be like, he's not even listening, what to do? Rohit jst nods, jst do what he wants! #MIVsGT #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/wTTQqeQ1bc
— Sushant Kumar Nahak (@sushantkoko) March 24, 2024
“You have to plan and decide what you want to do as a team. Hardik (Pandya) has also bowled with the new ball for Gujarat over the last couple of years. He swung the new ball and bowled it well, which was nothing new to us.
“We tried to use the advantage of the new ball swinging along. When I look at the decision made, there is nothing wrong with it, and we move on,” Pollard said at the post-match press conference.
