As the IPL 2024 season progresses, Mumbai Indians’ captain Hardik Pandya finds himself under increasing scrutiny due to the team’s lackluster performance and his own struggles on the field. Amidst mounting criticism from former players, analysts, and fans alike, Pandya’s leadership abilities and batting prowess are being called into question.

Recent Criticisms: Former Indian cricketers Virender Sehwag and Irfan Pathan have been vocal about Pandya’s performance. Sehwag, in particular, lambasted Pandya’s critics, stating that even Rohit Sharma faced similar challenges in the past. However, Pathan expressed concerns over Pandya’s diminishing hitting ability, raising doubts about his selection for the T20 World Cup.

Analyst and Player Insights: Various cricketing experts have weighed in on Pandya’s captaincy and batting. Wasim Jaffer questioned Pandya’s batting position, while Dale Steyn criticized what he termed as “fake hustle” from the Mumbai Indians’ camp. Additionally, Anuj Nitin Prabhu highlighted discrepancies between Pandya’s leadership and the traditional Mumbai Indians’ ethos.

Social Media Reaction: The criticism hasn’t been limited to traditional media outlets. Former cricketers like Irfan Pathan and Dale Steyn have taken to social media platforms to express their concerns. Pathan lamented Pandya’s declining hitting ability, while Steyn took a veiled dig at Pandya’s post-match demeanor.

Team Performance and Pandya’s Response: Despite the criticisms, Pandya has maintained a composed front, urging his teammates to introspect after defeats. However, his responses haven’t escaped scrutiny, with some perceiving them as deflective or avoiding accountability.

Conclusion: As Mumbai Indians continue to grapple with defeats in the IPL 2024 season, Hardik Pandya finds himself at the center of intense scrutiny. While some defend his captaincy and batting, others raise legitimate concerns about his form and leadership. With the tournament progressing, all eyes remain on Pandya as he navigates through the challenges and seeks to turn the tide for his team.