Hardik Pandya in action for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024© BCCI/Sportzpics
It has been a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign for Hardik Pandya as the India all-rounder has faced a lot of criticism – both as player and captain. Hardik completed a sensational trade to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans ahead of the season and was appointed captain of the franchise. It meant that he ended Rohit Sharma‘s ten-year tenure at the helm of MI – a decision that was not accepted well by a section of the fanbase. Things got worse as the team did not perform well on the field and they are currently last in the IPL 2024 points table with just three victories. Hardik recently opened up about his turbulent journey in this year’s competition and namedropped MS Dhoni while making his point.
“Responsibility-wise, I was always someone who wanted responsibilty because when you own your things, it kind of becomes more personal to you. So for me, it was always about owning my mistake and at the same point of time taking those chances, maybe failing and learning. That experience no one can teach you – not your closest aide, not your idol, to some extent not even Mahi Bhai (MS Dhoni) when he was around,” Hardik told Star Sports.
MI’s latest defeat came against Kolkata Knight Riders and Hardik was quite critical of his side.
“There are a lot of questions that will take time to answer. But for now, not much to say. Obviously, we couldn’t form partnerships and kept losing wickets. Bowlers did a fantastic job on this track,” Pandya said after his team failed to score 170, losing to KKR at home for the first time in 12 years.
The all-rounder did try to motivate his side to finish strong after a rather disappointing season.
“You keep fighting, that’s what I keep telling myself. It’s challenging, but you take the challenges.”
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