What was supposed to be a comeback season for Mumbai Indians has turned into a complete nightmare. Even though they have one match left, they are out of the playoff race. Their only goal now is to avoid finishing at the bottom of the points table.Â
Their final game is against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai this Friday. For Mumbai Indians to avoid the wooden spoon, they not only need to beat LSG but also hope that Punjab Kings lose their last match. However, these are just the tip of the iceberg; MI has bigger issues to deal with than just LSG or praying for a PBKS loss.
More Pressing issues than the last spot on the table
The tension between former captain Rohit Sharma and the new skipper Hardik Pandya has escalated, leading to a clear split in the Mumbai Indians dressing room. Fans were already upset when MI decided to bring Hardik back from Gujarat Titans and appoint him as the captain at the start of the season, replacing Rohit—MI’s’s most successful captain with five IPL titles under his belt.
Now, reports of a rift between Rohit and Hardik have surfaced. According to Dainik Jagran, the Indian players in the Mumbai Indians squad are pushing for Rohit’s return as captain, while the overseas players are backing Hardik. It’s worth noting that MI’s overseas contingent doesn’t have any big-name stars this season.
The dressing room divide is not just a minor issue; it reflects deeper problems within the team. The leadership change, the ensuing rift, and the resulting camps have disrupted MI’s season. As MI heads into their last game, these internal conflicts cast a long shadow over what has already been a disappointing campaign.
AB de Villiers Critiques Hardik Pandya’s Leadership Style Amidst Mumbai Indians’ Turmoil
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers recently shared his thoughts on Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, offering some interesting insights. De Villiers pointed out that Hardik’s “chest-out” leadership style might be effective with younger or less experienced players, but it could lead to friction with seasoned veterans like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Despite these issues with some of the Indian stars, Hardik seems to have a better rapport with the overseas players in the MI squad. Australian cricketer Tim David even referred to Hardik as the “glue” that holds the team together. “Hardik was the glue that held us together and gave us a chance to play with freedom at the back end,” David remarked. “Hardik has been phenomenal in the way he has been playing for the team.”
This contrast in opinions highlights the challenges Hardik faces in balancing different dynamics within the team. While his leadership style resonates well with some, it clearly creates tension with others, adding to the complexities Mumbai Indians need to navigate in this tumultuous season.
Mumbai Indians’ Internal Strife: Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya’s Tense Relationship Affecting Team Dynamics
The tension between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya has reached a new level, with reports suggesting that the two have rarely practiced together this IPL season. According to the report, things have gotten so awkward that Rohit, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma left the practice nets as soon as they saw Hardik approaching on the eve of their match against KKR.
Adding to the woes are the form slumps of both Hardik and Rohit. Hardik is enduring one of his worst seasons with the bat, and Rohit’s performance has taken a nosedive in the second half of the tournament.
If the strained relationship between Hardik and Rohit doesn’t improve, don’t be surprised if there are significant changes in the MI setup, especially with the mega auctions coming up next year. The team might need to make some tough decisions to restore harmony and get back to their winning ways.