Hardik Pandya’s tenure as the skipper of the Mumbai Indians started on a sour note as the five-time champions started their campaign with a six-run loss against the Gujarat Titans.
Coming to bat at number 7, Hardik Pandaya needed to score 17 off the final over to take his side home, but the all-rounder scored only 11 runs. This decision by Hardik Pandaya was heavily criticized by Mohammad Shami.
Shami said, “There is a lot of talk about the left-right combination. I don’t understand such things. Last match also, we talked about how much Pat Cummins has matured. You need to stay a step ahead. You should think, ‘I am the captain; I should take this responsibility.’ As far as Hardik is concerned, you have batted at No. 3 and No. 4 at the Gujarat Titans. What is the problem with batting at No. 4 or 5 here in Michigan? Hardik at No. 7 basically becomes a tailender.”
Shami further added, “When you come to bat at No. 7, you are coming in with a lot of pressure. I think if Hardik had come earlier, the match would not have gone till last.”
On being asked about that, if Hardik is following Dhoni’s template,.
Shami replied, “Dhoni is Dhoni. You cannot compare anyone. Everyone has a different mindset, whether it is Dhoni or Kohli. You should stay in the game, depending on your skill. You batted at No. 3 and 4 in the last two seasons. You are used to that position. You can at the most bat at No. 5, but not at No. 7.”
Manoj Tiwari, who was also part of the discussion, said that it’s not entirely Hardik’s decision to bat at that position.
Manoj Tiwari said, “I feel it wasn’t his call. In Gujarat, I feel, only two people were running the game: Hardik and Nehra. In the Mumbai dugout, there are some big names present. So probably they might have influenced him to drop the order because they have invested a lot in young players like Tilak Verma and Brevis. Mark Boucher will obviously listen to Sachin. He will then discuss with other members of the team management and then decide.”
