-1793862960887.webp)
Hardik Pandya’s second stint with Mumbai Indians (MI) has not gone according to plan. The all-rounder was brought back to the franchise ahead of IPL 2024 and handed the captaincy, replacing Rohit Sharma. However, the decision did not go down well with a section of fans, and the team’s performances have also failed to match expectations.
Mumbai Indians (MI) have not won the IPL title under Hardik’s leadership. The five-time champions have also finished in the bottom half of the points table in two of the three seasons he has captained them.
Amid growing speculation over his future at the franchise, former Mumbai Indians batter Ambati Rayudu has shared his views on Pandya’s situation. Rayudu believes the all-rounder appeared uncomfortable in his role and may have felt under pressure within the team.
Ambati Rayudu’s Take On Hardik Pandya’s MI Stint
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Rayudu suggested that Hardik may have felt cornered after taking charge of Mumbai Indians. He also pointed out that such a feeling can affect a player’s behaviour inside the dressing room.
Recommended For You
“In Mumbai, I just thought that Hardik felt as if he was cornered. And once you feel you’re cornered, you’re always looking over your shoulder. Once that happens in a dressing room, you tend to come out in ways that you wouldn’t want to. A lot of things didn’t go well for Hardik. It might be Hardik’s fault as well as something else,” Rayudu said.
The former India cricketer also had a clear suggestion for Pandya if he wants to continue playing for Mumbai Indians. According to Rayudu, the all-rounder should give up the captaincy and focus on his game.
“From now on, if he wants to stay at MI, I don’t think he should be the captain. He should just play his game, enjoy his time, and be a match-winner for MI. But if he goes out, definitely not a captain again, at least for one season,” he added.
Rayudu Names Punjab Kings And CSK As Possible Destinations
Hardik’s future has also become a talking point ahead of the next IPL season, with reports of a possible trade involving other franchises. Rayudu feels Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings could be suitable options for the all-rounder if he decides to move away from Mumbai.
However, he made it clear that Pandya should not take up the captaincy at either franchise immediately.
“I think either Punjab or CSK, because these are the two teams he could go to, but he shouldn’t be captain. He’ll find a very good space there in terms of his cricket. But with KKR, there’s so much on the plate that he needs to assess and take things forward because they need a captain. It’s not an easy team to captain right now,” Rayudu said.