At a time when Hardik Pandya is facing harsh criticism after Mumbai Indians’ defeat against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League season 2024, Australian cricket legend Brett Lee has come out in support of the five-time champions. While batting legend Sunil Gavaskar called out Hardik for his mediocre bowling and leadership against CSK, West Indies legend Brian Lara opined that Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack is ‘not much’.
MI captain Hardik 26 runs were leaked in the final of CSK innings at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. In the final over MI fast-hitting, legendary cricketer MS Dhoni He blasted three sixes against Hardik CSK posted monstrous totals In the first El Clasico of the new season. MI captain Pandya is facing the wrath of fans in the Indian Premier League. After leaving Gujarat Titans for Mumbai Indians, Pandya made a tough homecoming at Wankhede.
After replacing all-rounder Rohit Sharma as Mumbai’s captain for IPL 2024, Hardik was met with a hostile reception from fans. With Hardik at the helm, MI have slipped to eighth place after losing the Clasico to CSK in Mumbai. Did Mumbai make the right call by replacing Rohit with Hardik? Australia’s Lee opined that long-slow openers will pick up speed after their star players find their rhythm.
‘Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya garner strong support’
“Based on my observations, it is clear that both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have garnered strong support from their teammates in the IPL. Looking at the history of Mumbai Indians, it is notable that they usually start matches at a measured pace, gradually building up. However, once either Rohit or Hardik find their rhythm, their Performances escalate rapidly, leading the team to success,” said Lee. Times of India.
‘Be it Rohit or Hardik…’
Leading MI in the first Clasico of the new season, Pandya bowled three overs and leaked 43 runs. MI captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (69) and Daryl Mitchell (17) took the crucial wickets. Hardik’s predecessor, Rohit, had scored a mammoth century against Chennai Super Kings. However, Rohit’s first IPL century in 12 years went in vain as CSK beat MI by 20 runs. “As a result, whether it’s Rohit or Hardik or whoever leads the team, I’m hopeful because both have the ability to inspire and lift their teammates to greater heights,” added the former Australian pacer.