Young fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has praised Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya despite the team’s disappointing performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Gerald Coetzee described Hardik Pandya as an “exceptional” leader “, highlighting his unique captaincy style.
Hardik Pandya was named captain of the five-time IPL champions before last year’s auction. The all-rounder replaced Rohit Sharma, the most successful captain of Mumbai Indians. Pandya was booed by fans at different venues in the early stages of the ongoing season.
The Hardik Pandya-led team became the first team eliminated in the 17th edition of the tournament. Team MI has won only four out of 12 matches in IPL 2024. The Mumbai-based team is currently in ninth place in the standings, with eight points and a net run rate (NRR) of -0.212.
Hardik Pandya has been a really good captain – Gerald Coetzee
Despite MI’s disappointing season, Gerald Coetzee stated that Hardik Pandya has been a very good captain. Coetzee recognized Pandya’s unique style of captaincy and his ability to motivate players and communicate plans effectively.
“He (Pandya) has been a very good captain. I think as you get different styles of captaincy, he has a unique style that is unique to him, and no captain is the same. He’s been really good. He has been a great motivation for the boys, he has been unequivocal with the plans and I think he is an exceptional captain.” Coetzee said.
Hardik Pandya has struggled to perform with both bat and ball in IPL 2024. The right-handed batsman has amassed 198 runs in 12 matches at an average of 19.80 and a strike rate of 147.76. With the ball, he has taken 11 wickets at an average of 29.82 and a costly economy rate of 10.58.
It’s been amazing – Gerald Coetzee
Gerald Coetzee described his first season in the IPL as incredibly challenging. The South African fast bowler stated that he has learned a lot and added that he wants to rectify the mistakes in future IPL seasons.
“It has been incredible. I think it has lived up to expectations. It’s been incredibly challenging from a cricketing point of view, which is exactly what I want from my career. I think I have learned a lot. I have done good things. I made mistakes. “I will accept it and hopefully in future IPLs I can come back, learn and rectify.” Coetzee added.
Gerald Coetzee has faced a challenging debut IPL season. The right-arm pacer has appeared in 10 matches for the Mumbai Indians, claiming 13 wickets at a disappointing economy rate of 10.18. Notably, he has only managed to secure one wicket in his last three appearances.
Mumbai Indians will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their next match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, May 11. The team will take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final match of the league phase at Wankhede. Mumbai Stadium on Friday, May 17.
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