Confused and Disappointed: Smith and Pathan criticize Hardik’s decision to use Bumrah against SRH in IPL 2024

In a high-scoring IPL 2024 match on Wednesday night, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya’s decision to hold back Jasprit Bumrah until the 13th over while Sunrisers Hyderabad piled on 277/3 has attracted criticism. Bumrah was the most economical bowler for MI, but the delayed introduction raised eyebrows.

Mumbai Indians introduced Bumrah back into the attack only in the 13th over, by which time Sunrisers had already built a strong platform, scoring 173-3. Bumrah finished his four-over quota with an economy rate of 9 runs per over. Criticism of the bowling changes prompted reactions from cricket experts.

Former Australian cricketer Steve Smith expressed his confusion over Pandya’s tactics, suggesting that bringing back Bumrah earlier could have changed the outcome of the match. Smith believed that had Bumrah been deployed earlier, SRH could have been restricted to a lower total, giving MI a better chance at chasing the target.

Local batsman Tilak Varma’s impressive 64 off 34 balls wasn’t enough for Mumbai Indians as Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a 31-run victory in a thrilling run fest. Experts like Smith and former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan criticized Pandya’s captaincy and the decision to keep Bumrah out of the attack for too long during a crucial phase of the match.