Hardik Pandya’s struggles continued on Monday (April 22) as he failed to make a significant impact in the ongoing clash between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Entering the fray in the 17th over after Nehal Wadhera’s dismissal, Pandya found himself in a promising situation with Mumbai Indians at 151 for 5.
With a well-set Tilak Varma at the crease and a run rate exceeding nine, Pandya had the ideal opportunity to exhibit his finishing prowess and propel his team to a competitive total. However, the Mumbai Indians skipper encountered difficulties during his brief stint at the crease and succumbed to Avesh Khan in the 19th over, managing just a run-a-ball ten before being dismissed leg-before-wicket.
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With Pandya’s failure to deliver once again, fans took to Twitter to express their disappointment. Recent reports suggest uncertainty surrounding Pandya’s inclusion in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, despite his stint as the team’s T20I captain last year. According to the Indian Express, Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid, and Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, remain unconvinced about Pandya’s place in the squad.
A recent meeting among the trio concluded that Pandya would need to contribute regularly with the ball to secure his spot in the team. Speculation arose after Pandya refrained from bowling in Mumbai Indians’ third and fourth matches, prompting concerns of a potential injury.
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Although Pandya resumed bowling in the IPL, his performance with the ball has been lacklustre, with just four wickets in eight games and an economy rate of 11. Furthermore, Pandya’s batting form has also been underwhelming, with a modest tally of 142 runs in eight matches, including a top-score of 39. As uncertainties loom over his role in the national squad, Pandya faces mounting pressure to rediscover his form and cement his place ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The problem is not that Hardik Pandya is not scoring runs.
The problem is that with his approach, he is destroying the team’s momentum.
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) April 22, 2024
When quick wickets fell Hardik sent Nabi instead of coming himself.
When hitting was required he himself came.
Made 10 of 10.
Wasted 2 reviews.
Got out on full toss.
Left.#Hardik#HardikPandya— Nitin Verma (@itsnitinverma) April 22, 2024
Came to bat in the 17th over and scored a massive 10 ball 10
The finisher the clutch god of India Hardik Pandya for you. pic.twitter.com/6XqqAqIEzI— Ansh Shah (@asmemesss) April 22, 2024
Horrible innings Hardik. Horrible
— Chaitanya (@cha1tanya47) April 22, 2024
Another disappointing innings by hardik getting out in a full toss😶
— Kingmaker (@shrihari0206) April 22, 2024
Hardik comes in, burn both reviews and gone🤣
— Yashu🚩(मोदी का भावी सहायक अभियंता) (@legend_rajput_) April 22, 2024
Hardik Pandya contribution for Mi this year 😭😭#MIvsRR pic.twitter.com/myiwMOy3XG
— Pulkit (@PulkitK107) April 22, 2024
Why does Hardik even come out and waste such valuables deliveries in the end
— Mr. Critic 2️⃣.0️⃣🎭 (@ChiragA45) April 22, 2024
Hardik Pandya:
Can’t Bat
Can’t bowl
Can’t field
Can’t do captaincyAnd they made him captain of Mumbai Indians
#RRvMI pic.twitter.com/rdoG60U94k
— Aru ★ (@Aru_Ro45) April 22, 2024
Hardik Pandya 😂😂
Can’t bat can’t bowlOnly ego- attitude 😂#MIvsRR #hardik
— PrAtik PoddAr 🇮🇳 (@PrAtikPoddAr86) April 22, 2024
