• Sportzyverse
• IPL 2024
• 05/09/2024
• 0 Comments

Senior players within the Mumbai Indians franchise have reportedly questioned the team’s functioning under new captain Hardik Pandya. The team, struggling in ninth place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, has faced challenges adapting to Pandya’s leadership style following the decision to remove former captain Rohit Sharma.

Lack of Buzz in Dressing Room

The Indian Express reports that the key players of Mumbai Indians have expressed their concerns to the coaching staff about a palpable lack of energy in the dressing room. The reason attributed to this is Hardik Pandya’s leadership style, which has led to a sense of unease and discontent among the players.

An MI official addressed the issue as a normal phase during a leadership change in a sports team. He emphasised that the team has been used to Rohit Sharma’s captaincy for the last 10 years and is still adjusting to the change in guard.

The players and coaching staff met after a game to discuss the team’s issues. Indian stars Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah attended the meeting and shared their thoughts and concerns about the team’s performance.

Also read ‘Never leave the battlefield’ – Hardik Pandya after MI Suffer Yet Another Defeat Against KKR

Hardik Pandya’s Post-Match Comments

Hardik Pandya’s post-match comments after a loss to Delhi Capitals, in which he blamed top scorer Tilak Varma for lacking “match awareness,” also caused tension within the team. Sources reveal that his approach did not sit well with the dressing room.

Cricket experts, including former Australia captain Michael Clarke, have suggested that there may be divisions within the Mumbai Indians changing room. Clarke mentioned that the team does not seem to be gelling together and playing as a unit.

Mumbai Indians officials acknowledge that the franchise will take stock of the season and may make decisions regarding the team’s future if necessary.