Former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag has expressed his bewilderment over the tactics employed by Mumbai Indians (MI) during their 24-run defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Chasing a modest target of 170, MI’s batting lineup crumbled, losing wickets at regular intervals. They were eventually bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs at the Wankhede Stadium.
Sehwag questioned the decision to send captain Hardik Pandya and Tim David down the order at No. 7 and 8, respectively. He also raised concerns about KKR’s decision to hold back star all-rounder Andre Russell.
“KKR saved Andre Russell; he played only two balls. Mumbai Indians saved Hardik Pandya and Tim David. What did you achieve by doing that? There were many deliveries left, and they all got out. You could’ve come earlier, or maybe you could’ve finished the game earlier, too,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.
Sehwag criticized Hardik for batting down the order, pointing out that he had consistently batted in the top order for Gujarat Titans in the previous season. He urged the MI management to take action against the players and staff responsible for the team’s poor performance.
“Hardik Pandya batted at 4 consistently when he was the GT captain. What has happened here? It baffles me that the experienced players are coming so low,” Sehwag said.
“I’m baffled by this. Management needs to take severe action on players and ask them what’s happening. Or, players should speak up about why their batting positions are changed. The captain, batting coach, bowling coach, and support staff are at fault here. Owners need to ask strict questions,” he added.
Hardik, speaking after the match, admitted that MI failed to form partnerships and lost wickets too frequently. He acknowledged that there were many questions that needed to be answered but declined to elaborate further.
“I mean obviously in the batting inning, we couldn’t form partnerships and kept losing wickets, in T20s if you don’t form partnerships, it will cost you. Not much, there are a lot of questions that will take some time to answer but for now, not much to say,” Pandya said in the post-match presentation.
