Amid Captaincy Criticism, MI Star Explains What It's Like Playing Under Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya's captaincy has been subject to intense scrutiny, with Mumbai Indians already out of the IPL 2024 playoffs race.
As Mumbai Indians, already eliminated from the playoffs race, gear Kolkata Knight Riders, their overseas pacer Gerald Coetzee shared some interesting insights on Hardik Pandya's captaincy. Since taking over as the captain of the MI franchise, little has gone right for Hardik, who has neither managed to impress as a player, nor as a leader. In fact, some of the former cricketers have been critical of the India all-rounder's decision-making too, questioning the management's decision to name him the skipper at the expense of Rohit Sharma. Amid this controversy, Hardik's teammate Coetzee has revealed what it is like playing under the veteran star.
"I think he's been a really good captain. I think as you get different captaincy styles, he's got a new style which is unique to him. No captain is the same, he's been really good. He's been really motivational to the guys. He's been really clear with the plans. I think he's an exceptional captain," said Gerald Coetzee in the pre-match press conference.
Coetzee also held special praise for the team's marquee pacer Jasprit Bumrah who has been exceptional on a personal level, even in times when Mumbai Indians have struggled for positive results.
"I think basically, it comes down to simplicity and accuracy and I think he's done that better than any other bowler in this competition and that's as simple as that," he added.
Earlier, former South Africa and Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter AB de Villiers called out Hardik's 'bravado' style of captaincy that doesn't work well with senior players like Rohit.
"The captaincy style of Hardik Pandya is quite bravado. It's ego-driven in a way, chest out. I don't think how he walks on the field is always genuine, but he has decided that is his way of captaincy. Almost like MS. Cool, calm, collective, always got your chest out. But when you play with a lot of experienced players, guys who have been around for ages... They don't buy into that. It worked at GT, where it was a younger team. Sometimes, inexperienced players love to follow that kind of leadership," De Villiers had said on his YouTube channel.
With MI's campaign already over, it would be interesting to see how the team reassembles ahead of the next season, which will also see a mega auction take place.
Mumbai Indians
Hardik Pandya