Hardik Pandyas leadership during his tenure as captain of Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has come under criticism due to the team’s disappointing performance, which saw the team finish 9th in the points table. Additionally, Pandya struggled with his batting and bowling form. Despite these challenges, Pandya was appointed as the vice-captain Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024. I didn’t like this decision Irfan Pathanwhich led him to express his disagreement on the matter.
Irfan Pathan questions the decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as vice-captain
While speaking to Star Sports, Irfan shared his observations on the appointment of Pandya as the vice-captain of the Indian squad and highlighted that while the BCCI has adopted a new strategy to work with younger players and captains, it still raises questions about Pandya’s performance Team. He also expressed doubts about Pandya’s commitment to cricket.
“After the T20 World Cup, there was a change in strategy from avoiding senior players to bringing in senior players based on their experience. Clarity in planning is crucial, and teams tend to follow a clear direction. Previously, Hardik Pandya held the captaincy, but Rohit Sharma took over for T20 matches. After the T20 World Cup, there was a new plan; They were aiming for a younger team with Pandya and Surya as potential captains. However, questions arise about Pandya’s consistency of performance and his commitment to Indian cricket.” Irfan said on Star Sports.
Elaborating further on the issue, Irfan stressed that while injuries are unavoidable, proper planning, which includes consistent gameplay, such as in domestic cricket, is crucial for a player’s return. He expressed concern over Pandya returning from injury without fulfilling the same requirements, stating that it sends the wrong message to the team. According to him, it can disrupt the team atmosphere if other players witness a person receiving special treatment.
“Regular participation in domestic cricket is essential to providing Indian cricket all year round. Injuries are inevitable, but proper planning with consistent gameplay, including domestic cricket, is essential for a player’s return. But then there is that one player who returns from injury without meeting the same requirements. This shouldn’t happen because it sends the wrong message to the rest of the team. When they see a player receiving special treatment, it disrupts the team atmosphere.” Irfan added.
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Irfan names Jasprit Bumrah as a possible choice for the vice-captain post
The former Indian cricketer stressed the need for equal treatment of all players if BCCI wants the team to succeed in tournaments like the T20 World Cup. Talking about the current performance of cricketers, Pathan pointed this out Jasprit Bumrahs His recent form could have made him a suitable candidate for the vice-captain position in the Indian team.
“To be successful in tournaments like the World Cup, it is essential that every player is treated fairly and equally. Now coming back to your question about Hardik Pandya as vice-captain, I understand the reasons behind it as continuity in leadership is important. However, given current performance, it may be understandable that voters would opt for continuity. However, I think someone like Bumrah wouldn’t have been a bad choice either.” explained the 39-year-old.