The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season brings a significant change for the Mumbai Indians franchise: the appointment of Hardik Pandya as captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. This move has sparked debates and raised questions about Pandya’s ability to lead the five-time champions.
Former Indian cricketer Praveen Kumar expressed his concerns about the decision in a recent video. He questioned whether Mumbai Indians made a hasty choice, considering Pandya’s recent injury history and lack of playing time for India and his state team.
Kumar emphasized the importance of prioritizing international cricket over the IPL, urging young players to strike a balance between the two. He believes that players should not neglect domestic and international commitments for financial gain.
“You don’t play two months before, you get injured two months before the IPL, you don’t play for the country, you don’t play for your state in domestic cricket, and just directly play in the IPL. That’s not how things work,” Kumar said.
He added, “It’s okay to earn money, who is stopping you? There’s nothing wrong with that. But you have to play for state and country and now people only give importance to the IPL.”
Kumar’s comments highlight the growing concern among former players and fans about the potential impact of the IPL on the development of Indian cricket. They argue that the lucrative franchise league may be distracting players from their international and domestic responsibilities.
Despite the concerns, Hardik Pandya remains a talented and experienced player. He has captained the Indian team in limited-overs formats and has led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022. However, his ability to lead Mumbai Indians to success remains to be seen.
The IPL 2024 season will provide a crucial test for Pandya’s leadership skills and the Mumbai Indians’ decision to appoint him as captain. The franchise will be hoping that he can guide them to another championship while also balancing the demands of the IPL with his international commitments.
