Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag has backed Hardik Pandya as captain of the Mumbai Indians despite concerns over the team’s performance under his leadership. Speaking on the post-match analysis show on Cricbuzz, Sehwag highlighted Pandya’s struggles and the pressure he faces amid the aggravating situation.
Sehwag stated, “I don’t think he is under pressure. It could be the pressure of his own expectations. 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). 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.”
Five-time champions Mumbai Indians lifted the Indian Premier League trophy last time in 2020. Meanwhile, Pandya’s return to the franchise has been marred by criticism and poor performances. Replacing the highly successful Rohit Sharma as skipper, Pandya has faced constant booing from spectators and ridicule on social media. Under Pandya’s captaincy, Mumbai Indians have suffered five defeats in eight matches, with their latest loss coming against the Rajasthan Royals on Monday night.
Statistically, Pandya’s performance has been lackluster in the IPL 2024 season thus far. In the eight matches played, he has managed to score only 151 runs at an average of 21.57, without any half-centuries. In addition to that, his bowling has been subpar, with just four wickets to his name and an economy rate of around 11 runs per over.
