“Captaincy has a big impact on the game”: Irfan Pathan on Hardik Pandya post MI vs KKR clash

In yet another setback for the Mumbai Indians, the team faced its fourth consecutive loss in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, further diminishing their chances of playoff qualification. With only three wins in 11 matches, the team finds itself in a precarious position, needing favorable outcomes from other matches and victories in all remaining games to secure a playoff berth. The recent defeat came at the hands of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where Mumbai Indians faltered in their pursuit of a 170-run target, ultimately succumbing to a 24-run loss at the Wankhede Stadium.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, known for his candid opinions, once again took aim at Mumbai Indians’ captain Hardik Pandya, highlighting what he perceives as a lack of respect from teammates towards Pandya.

“Mumbai Indians’ story ends here. This team was so good on paper, but it wasn’t managed,” remarked Irfan Pathan.

Pathan’s criticism centered around Pandya’s decision-making during the match, particularly his choice to persist with bowler Naman Dhir despite a promising start for Mumbai Indians in restricting KKR to 57/5.

“When you’ve restricted KKR to 57/5, you didn’t have to give Naman Dhir three successive overs. You had to bring your main bowlers,” Pathan stated.

He further emphasized the pivotal role of captaincy in shaping a team’s performance and cohesion.

“Captaincy has a big impact on the game. Mumbai Indians don’t look like a united team, and management needs to consider this. Players need to respect and accept the captain, and we didn’t see that on-field. They have to improve in that aspect,” asserted Irfan Pathan.

With just three matches remaining in the season, Mumbai Indians face an uphill battle, with encounters against top-ranked teams adding to the challenge. Despite the daunting task ahead, the team will need to regroup and rediscover their winning form to salvage their campaign.

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