Mumbai Indians, the five-time IPL champions, have endured a dismal campaign in this year’s edition of the tournament. Their disappointing run, with eight losses in twelve matches, has raised concerns within the franchise’s management and senior players.
The spotlight has fallen on captain Hardik Pandya, who has faced criticism for his leadership style and decision-making. According to a report by the Indian Express, senior players, including Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah, have expressed reservations about Pandya’s captaincy during a team meeting.
The report suggests that the seasoned Indian stars shared their perspectives on the team’s underwhelming results and pinpointed factors contributing to their lackluster performance. They reportedly had candid discussions with the coaching staff, identifying areas that needed improvement.
Furthermore, one-on-one conversations between certain senior players and team management representatives have reportedly taken place, indicating a concerted effort to address the issues and chart a path forward for the team.
One particular incident that has drawn attention is Pandya’s comment on Tilak Varma’s innings following the side’s loss against the Delhi Capitals. Pandya’s remarks did not sit well with some teammates, highlighting the growing tension within the dressing room.
With playoff positions out of reach, Mumbai Indians will play for pride in their remaining two matches of the season. They face Kolkata Knight Riders in their penultimate game before ending their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on May 17. Rohit Sharma will then resume his role as captain and lead Hardik Pandya and other Indian stars in next month’s T20 World Cup, set to be held in the USA and the West Indies.
