Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has become a critic of Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya. Irfan Pathan questioned Hardik Pandya’s consistency and commitment to the Indian cricket team. Pathan stated that Pandya returned to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup without performing.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC tournament. Hardik Pandya was named vice-captain of the Indian cricket team. The all-rounder also served as vice-captain of the national team during last year’s ODI World Cup at home.
The 30-year-old last played for India in the ODI World Cup 2023. Pandya suffered an ankle injury during a match against Bangladesh and was ruled out of the tournament. He returned to competitive cricket representing Mumbai Indians in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Questions arise over Hardik Pandya’s performance – Irfan Pathan
Speaking on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan highlighted that the selectors intended to build a younger team with Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav as potential captains after the 2022 T20 World Cup. Pathan stated that Hardik returned to the team without proper planning and without consistent play.
“Earlier, Hardik Pandya held the captaincy but Rohit Sharma took charge for the T20 matches. After the T20 World Cup, there was a new plan; They were targeting a younger team with Pandya and Surya as potential captains. However, questions arise about the consistency of Pandya’s performance and his commitment to Indian cricket.” Pathan told Star Sports.
“Regular participation in domestic cricket is essential to serve Indian cricket throughout the year. Injuries are inevitable but proper planning including consistent play, including domestic cricket, is vital for a player’s comeback. But “Then there is this player who returns from an injury without meeting the same requirements,” he added.
Hardik Pandya scored 197 runs at an average of 21.89 and a strike rate of 150.38 in 10 matches in IPL 2024. He took only six wickets at an average of 42.16 and an economy rate of 11. The Indians Mumbai won only three of their 10 matches under Pandya’s captaincy.
Jasprit Bumrah wouldn’t have been a bad choice – Irfan Pathan
“To be successful in tournaments like the World Cup, it is imperative that every player is treated fairly and equally. So coming back to your question about Hardik Pandya as vice-captain, I understand the reason behind this because of the importance of continuity . in leadership, however, considering the current performance, the selectors opting for continuity may be understandable. However, I think someone like Bumrah would not have been a bad choice either.” Pathan concluded.
Team India has failed to secure the ICC Trophy since its Champions Trophy victory in 2013. The Men in Blue, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will try to end this drought in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
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