Mumbai Indians’ Dismal IPL Performance Raises Concerns for Team India Ahead of T20 World Cup
Mumbai Indians’ disastrous IPL season under new captain Hardik Pandya has cast a shadow over Team India’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. With nine losses in 13 games, MI are out of playoff contention and face the ignominy of finishing last on the points table.
Amidst the team’s struggles, the poor form of two key Indian stars, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, has emerged as a major concern. Rohit, the Indian captain, has managed only 349 runs in 13 IPL games at an average of just over 29. Hardik, the vice-captain, has fared even worse with just 200 runs.
This lack of form is particularly worrying for Team India, who will rely heavily on Rohit and Hardik in the T20 World Cup. Rohit is the team’s leading batsman, while Hardik is a crucial all-rounder who provides both batting and bowling options.
Cricket expert and commentator Harsha Bhogle has expressed concern over the duo’s struggles, stating that head coach Rahul Dravid’s immediate task is to get them back in good shape. “With both Team India captain Rohit and vice-captain Hardik struggling, a worried cricket expert and commentator Harsha Bhogle opined that head coach Rahul Dravid’s task at hand right now would be getting the two back in good shape,” Bhogle tweeted.
However, there is some good news for Team India. Other Indian stars in the MI lineup, such as Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, have performed well in the IPL. Yadav has scored 303 runs in 13 games, while Bumrah has taken 12 wickets.
The T20 World Cup begins on June 1, with India taking on Ireland in their opening match on June 5. Team India will be hoping that Rohit and Hardik can rediscover their form before the tournament and lead the team to success.