‘His bowling was scattered’ – Adam Gilchrist casts doubts on Hardik Pandya’s fitness level after MI’s loss to CSK in IPL 2024

Former Australia cricketer Adam Gilchrist questioned the fitness level of Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya. MI succumbed to their fourth loss in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 with a 20-run defeat against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday, April 14. Hardik conceded 26 runs in the final over which proved to be the difference and prompted Gilchrist to raise concerns over the all-rounder's fitness. 

Despite taking two wickets, Hardik faced heavy criticism as he conceded 43 runs from three overs at an economy of 14.30. He was hammered by MS Dhoni for three consecutive sixes in the last over of the innings, which helped CSK to reach a daunting total of 206/4. Hardik also failed to contribute in the batting department as he fell for just two runs. 

Also Read: ‘The worst kind of bowling that I've seen’ - Sunil Gavaskar lambasts Hardik Pandya after MI's loss to CSK

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Gilchrist opined that Hardik did not seem fully fit and his bowling was scattered. The only positive thing he could point to in Hardik was that the fast-bowling all-rounder was ready to take up the challenge in difficult situations.

"The only positive about Hardik Pandya and his bowling was that he was prepared to take on the challenge. I am captain, I am gonna have a crack but then he looks proppy, as we use in Australian sporting terms, you are not quite fluent. He does not look anywhere near 100 percent fit with the ball in hand and if there is any doubt about his physicality. His bowling was scattered," said the former wicketkeeper-batter.

Hardik lauds Dhoni and Pathirana after CSK’s impressive win

Mumbai lost the game despite their former skipper Rohit Sharma scoring a century. The veteran opener notched up his second IPL century (105* off 63 balls) but did not get the support from the other end to get his side through. Matheesha Pathirana was adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant spell of 4/28 that helped restrict MI to 186-6.

Also Read: Matheesha Pathirana is once in a generation player: Brett Lee

Speaking after the match, Hardik said that Pathirana's four-over spell was the game-changer. He also felt that the presence of MS Dhoni behind the stumps gave the visitors more advantage.

"It (target) was definitely gettable, but they bowled pretty well. Pathirana was the difference. They were smart with their plans and their approach. They got the hang of it, there's a man behind the stumps (Dhoni) who tells them what's working, that helps. It (pitch) was holding up a bit and getting difficult. It was about batting well and keeping the intent. We were going quite well (in the run chase) till Pathirana came into the attack and took those two wickets." 

Currently, Mumbai are in the eighth position in the points table. They will next face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday, April 18 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh.