Following Mumbai Indians’ disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, questions have been raised about the team’s leadership and the performances of key players Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the duo will need to address these concerns if India is to have a successful tournament.
As captain of Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma led the team to five IPL titles. However, the franchise finished bottom of the table in IPL 2024, and Sharma’s replacement as captain, Hardik Pandya, faced criticism from fans. Despite a successful season with the bat, Sharma acknowledged that he had not lived up to his standards.
Pandya, who led Gujarat Titans to victory on their IPL debut in 2022, also struggled during his time as MI captain. His all-round performance was disappointing, with his bowling lacking zip and his power-hitting lacking robustness. Mumbai Indians head coach Mark Boucher attributed these issues to a change in Pandya’s batting role, but expressed confidence that he would regain his form.
With just one warm-up match remaining before India’s T20 World Cup campaign begins, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have little time to address the issues that have plagued them during the IPL. If they can reset and rediscover their form, India will be a strong contender for the title. However, if they continue to struggle, it could have a significant impact on India’s chances of success.
