Irfan Pathan Criticizes Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy: “Lack Of Faith, Lack Of Skill”

Hardik faced brutal criticism from prominent former players after Mumbai Indians lost a high-profile encounter against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday. Hardik, who bowled the last over of the innings, was heavily criticized for conceding 20 runs in the final 4 balls by 42-year-old MS Dhoni. Many questioned his decision to bowl at the end, including former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan. The 26 runs that Pandya conceded in the final over with Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s powerful hitting proved to be decisive as Chennai Super Kings won by 20 runs.

Irfan feels that Hardik’s decision to bowl himself over Akash Madhwal shows lack of faith in the latter’s bowling and his own lack of skill as a death-over bowler. Sunil Gavaskar and Kevin Pietersen also criticized Hardik’s captaincy in the match. Gavaskar expressed disappointment with the bowling and captaincy, while Pietersen mentioned that external pressures seemed to be taking a toll on the all-rounder. Pandya has faced fan ire since the start of the tournament and has been the target of boos at the Wankhede Stadium.

Pietersen expressed his concern that this external criticism may be impacting Pandya, affecting his performance on the field. Pietersen also raised questions about Pandya’s captaincy, suggesting that he should have made strategic changes, such as bringing in spinners, when the pacers were being targeted by CSK batters. Mumbai Indians will play their next match against Punjab Kings on April 18 in Chandigarh.