Mumbai Indians’ decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain in place of Rohit Sharma ahead of IPL 2024 has drawn mixed reactions. While some fans welcomed the change, others were skeptical. The team’s recent struggles, with only three wins in eight matches, have further fueled the debate over Pandya’s captaincy.
Former New Zealand international Simon Doull and legendary Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist expressed their concerns about Pandya’s leadership. Doull acknowledged Pandya’s successful captaincy at Gujarat Titans but noted that he still has room for improvement. Gilchrist criticized Pandya’s strategic decision-making, particularly in terms of batting and bowling changes.
Despite the criticism, Pandya’s supporters argue that he is still adapting to his new role and deserves time to prove himself. They point to his impressive performances as a player, including his all-around contributions with bat and ball.
Meanwhile, former India batsman Ambati Rayudu believes that Pandya’s place in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024 is not in jeopardy. He emphasized that Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are established finishers for India, while Shivam Dube fills a different role as a middle-order batter.
As Mumbai Indians continue their IPL campaign, the spotlight will remain on Pandya’s captaincy. His ability to turn the team’s fortunes around and lead them to the playoffs will be crucial in shaping his legacy as a leader.
