IPL 2024: Gavaskar calls Hardik’s captaincy and bowling against CSK “absolutely ordinary”

Legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar criticized Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya for “absolutely ordinary bowling and captaincy” after he conceded 26 runs in the final over of Chennai Super Kings innings on Sunday. At the Wankhede Stadium, Pandya was hit for three sixes by MS Dhoni as he scored 20 runs off just four balls in the last over.

Gavaskar mentioned, “One six is fine. But the next one again a length ball when you know that this batter is looking for a length ball to hit. The third ball again, a full toss on the leg side and he’s looking for it and hits it for a six. Oh, absolutely ordinary bowling, ordinary captaincy.”

Kevin Pietersen, the former England skipper, expressed his thoughts on Pandya’s performance, suggesting that the boos and jeers from fans may be affecting his on-field performances.

Pietersen added, “What’s happening with Hardik Pandya is the boos we have been hearing now and how happy they are to see former CSK captain and the Lion (MS Dhoni) smacking him all over the park, it hurts you. He has emotions, as he’s an Indian player. He doesn’t want to be treated like this. With this happening, it’s affecting him and his cricket and something needs to happen.”

Gavaskar and Pietersen both criticized Pandya’s performance with the ball in the last over. Pietersen pointed out the lack of adaptability in Pandya’s captaincy, suggesting that a change in strategy was needed during the match. MI is currently at eighth place in the points table with four points from six matches and will next face Punjab Kings at Mullanpur on April 18.