As if the disappointments of IPL 2024 were not enough for Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder received a setback even before teams could even start thinking about the next season. BCCI late on Friday night announced Hardik would not be able to play the first match of next season as he was banned for maintaining a slow over rate in MI’s last match of this year against the Lucknow Super Giants.
Since MI don’t have any more matches this year, the ban will carry forward to the first match of next season. MI will have to field a different leader for their tournament opener next year even if they decide to stick with Hardik as their full-time captain.
Hardik became the second player after Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant to get suspended due to an over rate offense this year. Like Pant, Hardik was penalized with a one-match suspension for his third over rate offense this year.
The MI captain was also slapped with a ₹30 lakh fine while the MI players, including the Impact Player against LSG, were fined ₹12 Lakh or 50% of their respective match fees.
Pandya had a forgettable season as captain and as a player for MI this year. He scored only 218 runs at a lowly average of 18 in 14 matches. Even though he picked up 11 wickets, his economy rate of 10.75 was a huge concern. As a leader, he failed to inspire as the five-time champions ended the season with just four wins in 14 matches to finish last.
After MI’s 18-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants, Pandya said, “It was quite difficult. We did not play good quality cricket, eventually cost us the whole season.” “It’s a professional world. Have to always come out and put our best foot forward. But yes, as a group, we could not play quality cricket or smart cricket.”
