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The reinstatement of Hardik Pandya as captain for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has not played out as expected, bringing challenges for both him personally and for the franchise.
Backlash and online scrutiny
Since assuming the captaincy from Rohit Sharma, Hardik has faced intense backlash from fans. With the team suffering back-to-back losses in the opening matches, Hardik now finds himself under even greater scrutiny. Numerous videos from the MI camp have been circulating on social media since Hardik’s debut as captain, highlighting a noticeable change in the atmosphere within the five-time champion franchise.
Tension within the Mumbai Indians camp: Hardik Pandya and Lasith Malinga
During the recent MI versus Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) match, a notable incident occurred involving Mumbai’s pace bowling coach Lasith Malinga and batting coach Kieron Pollard. Upon Hardik’s approach, Malinga swiftly left his seat and proceeded towards the dressing room, hinting at possible tension between him and the Baroda-born cricketer. This video swiftly circulated on social media, exacerbating the already heightened scrutiny on Hardik.
Here’s the video:
— Cric guy (@Cricguy88) March 27, 2024
Also WATCH: IPL 2024: Crowd chants ‘chapri…chapri’ as Hardik Pandya leaves the field; video goes viral
MI’s consecutive defeats under Hardik’s leadership
Following their defeat against Gujarat Titans (GT) by six runs in the opening game, Mumbai faced another setback in their second fixture against Sunrisers. The team succumbed to their second consecutive loss after conceding record-breaking 277 runs to the home side. Chasing the daunting target, the Hardik-led side showcased resilience, posting a commendable score of 246/5 in 20 overs. However, it wasn’t enough to secure victory as they ultimately fell short by 31 runs.
