Cricket

Former Indian seamer Irfan Pathan has urged Indian cricket to reassess the importance placed on Hardik Pandya's role as an all-rounder, emphasizing the need for impactful performances in ICC tournaments. Pathan's remarks come amidst Pandya's struggles in the ongoing IPL season, sparking debates over his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad.Pathan highlighted the necessity for Pandya to deliver substantial contributions at the international level, particularly in ICC events. He emphasized that Pandya's potential alone is not sufficient and that he needs to make a tangible impact on the field.Expressing concern over the disparity between IPL performances and international cricket, Pathan advised Pandya to commit to consistent participation throughout the year, rather than selective appearances. He stressed the importance of fostering a team-oriented approach, drawing parallels with Australia's strategy of nurturing collective excellence over individual brilliance.Beyond Pandya's role, Pathan raised concerns about India's finishers and the effectiveness of the pace bowling unit ahead of the T20 World Cup. He noted that while India's top-order batting and middle-overs bowling are relatively settled, the team needs to address concerns in the finishing and fast bowling departments.Pathan emphasized the need for improvement in key areas, underscoring the significance of addressing these challenges to bolster India's prospects in the upcoming tournament. He highlighted the importance of finding a reliable finisher with a high strike rate and improving the performance of the pace bowlers, particularly in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

Hardik and Krunal Pandya, the renowned brother duo in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have made significant contributions to their respective teams. Hardik, the captain of Mumbai Indians, and Krunal, a key spin all-rounder for Lucknow Super Giants, have carved a niche for themselves in the cricketing world.Their journey began together, playing cricket from a young age. They rose to prominence almost simultaneously, both representing Mumbai Indians at one point. However, their paths diverged as they joined different franchises. In 2024, Hardik returned to MI as the skipper, while Krunal remained with Lucknow Super Giants.On Friday, the Pandya family welcomed a new member, Vayu, the second child of Krunal and his wife Pankhuri Sharma. They also have an elder son.Krunal Pandya recently achieved a remarkable feat in the IPL, delivering the most economical four-over spell for Lucknow Super Giants. Against Gujarat Titans, he took 3/11 in four overs, with an economy rate of 2.75. His exceptional spell included the wickets of Sai Sudarshan, BR Sharath, and Darshan Nalkande.This performance broke Pandya's own record of a 2/11 in four overs spell against Punjab Kings in 2022. Mark Wood, the English fast bowler, also holds a record for a four-over spell of 5/14 against Delhi Capitals last year.Krunal Pandya has a remarkable record against Gujarat Titans, having taken six wickets in five matches at an average of 17.66 and an economy rate of 5.3. He has also scored 51 runs in five innings against GT, with a best score of 23*.The Pandya brothers continue to make their mark in the IPL, showcasing their talent and determination. Their contributions to their respective teams and the league as a whole have earned them widespread recognition and admiration.

India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya may not be in top form, but his unique skillset and the lack of a suitable replacement make him a likely candidate for the T20 World Cup 2024 squad.Despite his recent struggles, Pandya remains a valuable asset to the team. His ability to bat aggressively, field exceptionally well, and contribute with his medium-pace bowling makes him a versatile player.While Chennai Super Kings' Shivam Dube has impressed with his batting in the IPL, his limited bowling options may hinder his chances of selection. According to reports, the team's reluctance to use Dube as a bowler could work in Pandya's favor.Pandya's batting prowess, with a strike rate of 132, and his fielding skills are expected to outweigh his current form slump. He has also bowled 17 overs in eight games for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, demonstrating his all-round capabilities.However, Pandya's batting has been below par, with only seven sixes in eight games. His free-flowing style has been missing, and his strike rate of 142 is below his usual standards.Despite Pandya's struggles, Dube's emergence as a finisher has made him a strong contender for a spot in the 15-member squad. While Dube may not be a direct replacement for Pandya as an all-rounder, his batting form cannot be ignored.In terms of bowling options, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav are considered certainties for the squad. The remaining spot is likely to be contested between Avesh Khan, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi.Avesh has improved his death bowling and has eight wickets in eight matches, while Bishnoi has been economical on flat tracks. Axar, with seven wickets in nine games, is also a strong candidate.Ultimately, the selection committee will have to weigh the pros and cons of each player and make a decision based on their current form and the team's needs.

As the May 1 deadline for squad submission for the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, former Indian batter Virender Sehwag has unveiled his strongest XI for the marquee event. Sehwag's team features a blend of experience and youth, with a focus on current form and versatility.Sehwag's XI is led by captain Rohit Sharma, who will open the batting alongside rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal. The middle order boasts the formidable trio of Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rishabh Pant, who returns to the team after recovering from injuries.For the all-rounder role, Sehwag has opted for either Shivam Dube or Rinku Singh, both of whom have impressed in the ongoing IPL season. The spin department is anchored by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, while the pace attack features Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Sandeep Sharma.Sehwag's decision to exclude Hardik Pandya from his XI has raised eyebrows, given the all-rounder's status as a key player for India. However, Sehwag believes that Pandya's recent poor form warrants his omission from the starting lineup."Hardik is a great player, but he's not in the best of form right now," Sehwag said. "I think he should be in the 15-man squad, but he may not be in the starting XI."Sehwag's XI reflects his belief in the importance of adaptability and versatility in T20 cricket. The team features several players who can bat and bowl, providing the captain with multiple options to adjust to different match situations.With the World Cup just months away, Sehwag's XI serves as a valuable blueprint for the Indian selectors as they finalize their squad. The team's balance, experience, and current form make it a formidable contender for the coveted trophy.

Mumbai Indians' decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain in place of Rohit Sharma ahead of IPL 2024 has drawn mixed reactions. While some fans welcomed the change, others were skeptical. The team's recent struggles, with only three wins in eight matches, have further fueled the debate over Pandya's captaincy.Former New Zealand international Simon Doull and legendary Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist expressed their concerns about Pandya's leadership. Doull acknowledged Pandya's successful captaincy at Gujarat Titans but noted that he still has room for improvement. Gilchrist criticized Pandya's strategic decision-making, particularly in terms of batting and bowling changes.Despite the criticism, Pandya's supporters argue that he is still adapting to his new role and deserves time to prove himself. They point to his impressive performances as a player, including his all-around contributions with bat and ball.Meanwhile, former India batsman Ambati Rayudu believes that Pandya's place in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024 is not in jeopardy. He emphasized that Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are established finishers for India, while Shivam Dube fills a different role as a middle-order batter.As Mumbai Indians continue their IPL campaign, the spotlight will remain on Pandya's captaincy. His ability to turn the team's fortunes around and lead them to the playoffs will be crucial in shaping his legacy as a leader.

Hardik Pandya's struggles as captain of the Mumbai Indians have raised concerns about his mental well-being, according to former India star Robin Uthappa. Uthappa believes that the constant criticism and mockery Pandya has faced has taken a toll on his mental health."The mocking, trolling, the memes about his fitness. You don't think it hurts him? It hurts him. It hurts any human being. How many people actually know the reality of it? Hardik is dealing with mental health issues, for sure," Uthappa said on the Ranveer Show.Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram also expressed concern about Pandya's situation. Akram believes that the relentless criticism Pandya has faced in India is a problem that needs to be addressed."This is the problem in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. We never forget. We tell our kids that when Pandya's kid is born, you have to remind him why he became captain 20 years ago. We don't move on," Akram said on Sportskeeda.Akram urged fans to be more supportive of Pandya, who he believes is still capable of leading Mumbai Indians to success."I think fans need to be a little calm. At the end of the day, he is your player. He plays for Mumbai Indians, and he is the one who can make you win. They still can qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs. There is no point booing your own player. You can criticize a little bit, but move on," Akram said.Regarding the captaincy change in Mumbai Indians, Akram said: "In franchise cricket, such things happen. Look at how CSK took the captaincy decision for the long run, and maybe, even they (MI) had the same idea. This was not a personal decision, but in my view, Rohit Sharma should have continued as captain for one more year. Perhaps, next year, Hardik Pandya could have been the captain."

Mumbai Indians' (MI) dismal performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 season has reignited concerns over Hardik Pandya's effectiveness as both a player and captain. In their recent nine-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals, Pandya's underwhelming performance on the field has drawn criticism from fans and experts alike.Batting at an unfamiliar position of No. 7, Pandya managed a meager 10 runs. His bowling was equally unimpressive, conceding 37 runs in four wicketless overs. The decision to elevate Pandya as MI skipper over Rohit Sharma has also come under scrutiny, with many questioning his leadership abilities.Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has expressed his concerns about Pandya's form and decision-making. He believes that Pandya's tendency to seek easy solutions to regain his form could prove detrimental to his team."Mumbai Indians is still a strong team on paper, but they're being managed poorly," Pathan said. "If Hardik Pandya lacks form as a leader, he'll become a weak link. He's affecting his own hitting abilities and looking for easy ways to come back to form. That's how he'll lose the respect of his team."Pathan criticized Pandya's decision to bat at No. 7 despite his experience at No. 4 for Gujarat Titans. He also questioned Pandya's choice to bowl the opening over instead of relying on seasoned bowler Jasprit Bumrah."He doesn't come at a position where he needs to do the tough job," Pathan said. "If he wants to earn his teammates' respect, he's got to do the tough tasks. He bowls the first over thinking he'll escape, but he gets struck for fours and helps Buttler get in form."With MI languishing in seventh place in the points table, the pressure on Pandya is mounting. His ability to turn around the team's fortunes and prove his worth as a leader will be crucial in determining MI's success in the remaining matches of the season.

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has expressed concerns over the captaincy of Hardik Pandya, suggesting that the Mumbai Indians (MI) may struggle to qualify for the playoffs if Pandya's approach continues.Tiwary criticized Pandya's decision-making during MI's recent defeat to the Rajasthan Royals. He questioned Pandya's choice to open the bowling himself instead of entrusting the new ball to Jasprit Bumrah, widely regarded as one of the best pacers in the world."If you have Jasprit Bumrah in the line-up, why will you not bowl him in the first over?" Tiwary said. "Buttler came off a hundred, Jaiswal was not in the best form, you need to give your best bowler the best chance of picking a wicket."Tiwary believes that Pandya's decision to bowl himself allowed the Rajasthan Royals batsmen to settle in and take advantage of the new ball. He also pointed out that MI's current position in the league table is concerning, as they have played more matches than teams above them."I don't see MI progressing in the points table because these silly mistakes are being made," Tiwary added.Tiwary concluded by suggesting that MI players may not have fully embraced Pandya as their captain. He believes that the team's performance under Rohit Sharma was more consistent and that Pandya may need to adjust his leadership style to achieve similar success."If this kind of captaincy continues, MI are not making the playoffs," Tiwary said. "Previously, players were with Rohit Sharma. Now it feels like that MI players have not bought into Hardik Pandya as the captain of the side."

Virender Sehwag Raises Concerns Over Hardik Pandya's Captaincy at Mumbai IndiansFormer Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has expressed concerns over the performance of Mumbai Indians under the leadership of Hardik Pandya. Despite backing Pandya as captain, Sehwag highlighted the pressure he faces and the team's struggles.Sehwag believes that Pandya's expectations may be weighing him down, leading to a decline in his performance. He also pointed out that Mumbai Indians have faced similar challenges in the past, even under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma."I don't think he is under pressure. It could be the pressure of his own expectations," Sehwag said. "But Mumbai Indians were in this situation last year as well, and even before that, where Rohit Sharma didn't score runs as a captain. And Rohit Sharma ne as a captain jitaya bhi nahi 2-3 saal se (even Rohit Sharma did not win it as a captain in last 2-3 years)."Under Pandya's captaincy, Mumbai Indians have suffered five defeats in eight matches, including a recent loss to the Rajasthan Royals. Pandya's own performance has been lackluster, with only 151 runs scored and four wickets taken in the tournament so far.Sehwag emphasized that Mumbai Indians are aware of their past struggles and should not panic. However, he also acknowledged that Pandya's expectations and the team's poor performance could be a cause for concern."Mumbai Indians know that they have been in this situation before. If he is expecting a lot and he is not getting wickets, not scoring runs, and the team is losing under his captaincy, then that's wrong," Sehwag added.Despite the criticism, Sehwag remains supportive of Pandya as captain. He believes that Pandya has the potential to lead Mumbai Indians to success, but he needs to find a way to manage his expectations and improve his performance.