‘Hardik Pandya’s hitting ability is going down’ – Irfan Pathan reflects on MI skipper’s performance after RR loss

Hardik Pandya. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) campaign continued to disappoint for the Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians. The five-time champions took on Rajasthan Royals in their latest clash. Both sides locked horns at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, on Monday, April 22.

The clash saw Mumbai Indians post a total of 179 runs in the first innings, and the hosts’ brilliant performance with the bat and a century by Yashasvi Jaiswal saw Rajasthan Royals register their seventh win of the season. 

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya had yet another day to forget in the IPL. The 30-year-old scored 10 runs in just as many deliveries and bowled two overs in the game, where he conceded 21 runs to his name and did not manage to take any wickets. The same saw former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan take to X and reflect on Pandya’s recent performances. Pathan opined that Pandya’s hitting ability with the bat has been deteriorating. 

“Hardik Pandya’s hitting ability is going down. That’s a big worry on a larger picture. At the wankhede he is different but on pitches where there is little help is what is worrisome for him,” Pathan tweeted. 

Also Read: Irfan Pathan explains Virat Kohli’s controversial dismissal in IPL 2024 for his fans, video goes viral

Playoff qualification looks bleak for Mumbai Indians

After losing the clash against Rajasthan Royals by nine wickets, Mumbai Indians now sit in seventh place in the IPL 2024 standings with three wins in eight matches. Having lost five games, MI sits behind the likes of Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings, and a few more. 

Also Read: IPL 2024 Qualification Scenarios: How can Mumbai Indians qualify for playoffs after RR’s win over MI?

With six points in eight games, the Hardik Pandya-led side will aim to register a win in every single game going forward if they want to ensure a place in the knockout rounds of the tournament. On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals maintained their dominance in the tournament. With seven wins in eight games, Royals sit atop the points table with 14 points to their names.