(L to R) Hardik Pandya, Akash Madhwal and Rohit Sharma in conversation© X (formerly Twitter)
There has been a lot of speculation over the team dynamics in the Mumbai Indians camp following a disappointing start to the IPL 2024 campaign. MI lost their first three matches in the competition and although they did stage a mini-comeback, they are currently seventh with just six points after the recent loss against Rajasthan Royals. The main topic of discussion has been the equation between Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma following a change is captaincy that was not accepted well by a section of the fanbase. (IPL 2024 Points Table)
During MI’s match against Punjab Kings, former cricketer Irfan Pathan remarked on commentary that there are some players who still look at Rohit as their captain and not Hardik. He made the comment in connection to a video where MI fast bowler Akash Madhwal was seen paying more attention to Rohit’s advice than Hardik’s before bowling the final over of the match with the game hanging in balance.
Seems like Irfan Pathan sold his soul for money. This is what happened exactly after Madhwal talking to Rohit Sharma. Clearly he wants Hardik to get hate.
Everyone again Hardik for literally nothing wrong..pic.twitter.com/zw7z3ieyRJ https://t.co/lnC8w36F8Z
— Messi VK stan (@Im_vkolhi) April 22, 2024
“Akash Madhwal was there and there was Hardik Pandya. It was a pressure situation and Madhwal was just looking at Rohit Sharma. He was talking only to him regarding setting the field. This happens when you have that confidence ‘he is my captain, not the other guy’. This needs to change and I think Hardik Pandya is capable of doing it,” Irfan Pathan said during commentary on Star Sports.
However, a new video on social media shows that following the conference between Hardik, Rohit and Madhwal, the skipper continues to speak to the bowler about the tactics and Madhwal intently listened to him. Social media users pointed out that the video shows that Pathan’s comments were not correct.
Meanwhile, the loss against RR left MI in a precarious position when it comes to qualifying for the IPL 2024 playoffs and they need to win all of their remaining six matches to keep the Top 4 hopes alive.
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