The IPL 2024 campaign of Mumbai Indians experienced a major roadblock as the Hardik Pandya-led side was defeated comprehensively by Rajasthan Royals on Monday. As a result, MI have just six points from 8 matches and will have to win all of their remaining matches to qualify for the playoffs. Hardik also faced a lot of criticism following lackluster performances both as player and captain. This has been a common trend since he replaced Rohit Sharma as the MI captain but legendary India batter Virender Sehwag believes that the all-rounder should put himself under pressure. He said that even Rohit did not win the IPL title in the last 2-3 seasons and despite expectations from fans, Hardik should focus on himself.
“I don't think (pressure is increasing on Hardik as a batter and bowler), although, maybe he is taking the pressure because of the expectations around him. But Mumbai were in the same situation last year, and few many times previously as well. It is nothing new to them. Rohit did not score runs as a captain. He did not even win the trophy as captain in the last 2-3 seasons,” he said on Cricbuzz.
Sehwag also advised Hardik to promote himself up the batting order as it will allow him to face more balls and build up his confidence. The all-rounder batted at No. 4 for Gujarat Titans in the past but against RR, he came out to bat at No. 7 despite his team losing three quick wickets in the powerplay.
“Mumbai know that they have been in situations like these so only if they perform as a team here on, will they get...but if Hardik goes with the expectation that he has to bowl and bat well and that they are not winning under his captaincy and it sort of creates a pressure on him then that is wrong. And to perform well he has to bat higher up the order as well, right? If you bat down the order, get about 18 balls to face then how will he perform? He needs to give himself that chance, because if he bats well, his bowling and captaincy will improve as well,” Sehwag added.