IPL 2024: Irfan Pathan wants 'leader' Hardik Pandya to do 'difficult things'

The start to Hardik Pandya's tenure as Mumbai Indians captain has been forgettable, to say the least. After suffering their third straight loss in the ongoing IPL 2024 against Rajasthan Royals, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has come down hard on Pandya's leadership and decision-making.

Pathan was highly critical of Pandya's captaincy decisions, taking to social media to question his tactics. “You always want your Leader to do the difficult things. If he doesn’t do it he won’t earn his team’s respect,” Pathan posted on ‘X’.

The former all-rounder also slammed Pandya's decision to not open the bowling with his premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. “Not a rocket science to get your best bowler early on. Finally Bumrah with the new ball. It was forced cos of the small total by RR,” Pathan wrote.

Also read: Irfan Pathan names his India squad for upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024

MI face Delhi in their next encounter

The match at the Wankhede Stadium was a forgetful experience for the MI's batting lineup. After being asked to bat first, they were reduced to a shocking 20/4 within the first four overs, courtesy of a great spell from Trent Boult. Hardik Pandya (34 off 21) and Tilak Varma (32 off 29) tried to stabilise the ship, but Mumbai managed to put up a total of only 125/9.

In the chase, Riyan Parag's unbeaten 54 off 39 balls guided the visitors to a comfortable six-wicket victory with 27 balls to spare. Akash Madhwal was the best bowler for the hosts as he ended with figures of 3/20.

Pandya has had a rocky start as an MI skipper, losing the first three games while also facing constant booing from crowds in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and his home ground Mumbai. The pressure will only increase on the all-rounder if results don't improve quickly.

Also read: Hardik Pandya reacts after Mumbai Indians' third straight loss in IPL 2024

MI has a five-day break before hosting Delhi at their home ground on April 7. At present, MI finds themselves at the bottom of the IPL points table, being the sole team that hasn't opened the account.