Mumbai Indians’ (MI) turbulent start to IPL 2024 continues. Following a three-match losing streak, a brief resurgence, and their latest defeat against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium, cracks seem to be appearing within the five-time champion franchise. Hardik Pandya’s post-match comments after the 20-run loss to CSK have sparked significant discussion and debate.
While commending the brilliance of CSK’s Matheesha Pathirana (four-wicket haul) and acknowledging MS Dhoni’s contributions behind the stumps, Hardik’s focus on Dhoni seemingly overshadowed the leadership of CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Hardik said, “They were smart with the plans and their approach. They got the hang of it, there’s a man behind the stumps (Dhoni) who tells them what’s working, that helps,” raised eyebrows amongst fans and pundits alike.
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Adding fuel to the fire, former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist weighed in, noting the significance of Hardik’s choice of words. “The line about Dhoni is an interesting one,” Gilchrist said. “It tells me that he (Hardik) may be feeling like a lone wolf at the moment. Maybe Hardik Pandya is not feeling the support around him,” he was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
This lack of perceived support for the current skipper can be traced back to the off-season trade that saw Hardik Pandya move from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians. The move resulted in the removal of Rohit Sharma, the architect of MI’s five IPL titles, as captain. This decision, dubbed by fans as the dismantling of “One Family,” triggered a wave of online backlash. The discontent further manifested in the form of boos directed towards Hardik at every IPL venue.
Adam Gilchrist pinpointed the captaincy transition as a turning point for MI, highlighting the lack of consideration for fan sentiment. He drew a parallel to European football clubs, suggesting that past success can sometimes be a double-edged sword. While a winning tradition builds a strong fan base, failure to meet those high expectations can lead to a sense of betrayal.
Furthermore, Adam Gilchrist highlighted the controversial trade of Cameron Green, a breakout performer for MI under Rohit in IPL 2023. This decision, made to accommodate Hardik, further alienated a portion of the fanbase.
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Looking ahead, it remains to be seen if MI can navigate these troubled waters. Hardik’s leadership needs time and support to flourish. Reconnecting with the fans and rebuilding trust will be crucial. Finding a way to integrate Hardik’s aggressive style of play with the established MI tradition will be a key challenge for the franchise. Only time will tell if MI can weather this storm and return to their former glory.
