After two consecutive wins in IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya seemed to have put some criticism to rest. However, it reared his head again after the five-time champions lost to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. With the all-rounder citing MS Dhoni's inputs behind the stumps for CSK's success, fans have questioned his own contribution as a leader.
Pandya had a match to forget on Sunday as he conceded 43 runs off 3 overs, albeit taking 2 wickets. However, the 26-run 20th over, with 3 sixes off MS Dhoni bat adversely hurt the home side as the Super Kings went from 180 to 206. With a stiff chase of 207 set for the Mumbai Indians, the 30-year-old fell for 2 off 6 deliveries as they eventually fell short by 20 runs despite Rohit Sharma's unbeaten 105.
At the post-match presentation, Pandya referred Dhoni as a master tactician as the man behind the stumps has been serving them well, crediting the former captain for their smart approach on a tricky surface.
"It (target) was definitely gettable, but they bowled pretty well. Pathirana was the difference. They were smart with the plans and their approach. They got the hang of it, there's a man behind the stumps (Dhoni) who tells them what's working, that helps. It (pitch) was holding up a bit and getting difficult. It was about batting well and keeping the intent. We were going quite well (in the run chase) till Pathirana came into the attack and took those two wickets."
Here's how fans have reacted to Hardik Pandya's post-match presentation quotes:
The defeat was Mumbai Indians' 4th of the season, while the Super Kings won their 4th of the edition.
