Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has turned critic of Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya. Irfan Pathan questioned Hardik Pandya’s consistency and commitment to the Indian cricket team. Pathan stated that Pandya returned to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup without performing.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC tournament. Hardik Pandya has been appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team. The all-rounder also served as the national team’s vice-captain in the ODI World Cup at home last year.
The 30-year-old last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Pandya suffered an ankle injury during a match against Bangladesh and was ruled out of the tournament. He made his comeback to competitive cricket by representing Mumbai Indians in the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Questions arise about the performance of Hardik Pandya – Irfan Pathan
Speaking on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan highlighted that the selectors intended to build a younger team after the 2022 T20 World Cup with Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav as potential captains. Pathan stated that Hardik returned to the team without proper planning and consistent match play.
“Earlier, 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.” Pathan told Star Sports.
“Regular participation in domestic cricket is essential to playing in Indian cricket all year round. Injuries are inevitable, but proper planning with consistent gameplay, including domestic cricket, is vital to a player’s return. But then there is that one player who returns injury-free and meets the same requirements,” he added.
Hardik Pandya has scored 197 runs in 10 matches in IPL 2024 at an average of 21.89 and a strike rate of 150.38. He has taken just six wickets at an average of 42.16 and an economy rate of 11. Mumbai Indians have won just three out of their 10 games under Pandya’s captaincy.
Jasprit Bumrah wouldn’t have been a bad choice – Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan suggested that the selectors should have picked Jasprit Bumrah as Rohit’s deputy for the World Cup. Pathan acknowledged the importance of continuity in leadership but stated that Bumrah could have been a better choice.
“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 becoming vice-captain, I understand the rationale behind it as continuity is important.” However, given the current performance, it is understandable that the voters have opted for continuity. However, I think someone like Bumrah wouldn’t have been a bad choice either. Pathan concluded.
Team India has failed to secure the ICC Trophy since its victory in the 2013 Champions Trophy. The Men in Blue led by Rohit Sharma are looking to end this drought in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
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