Hardik Pandya’s tough start as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain continued on Monday, April 1, when the Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated his team by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium.
The setback, Mumbai Indians third in IPL 2024, reinforced the perception that the five-time winners are sluggish starts. It was also an awful performance for Hardik, who was booed loudly by his own fans and had to supervise yet another difficult loss.
Mumbai’s tactical aspects left much wanting. Numerous blunders occurred, demanding substantial behind-the-scenes efforts to revive their campaign. They unacceptably faltered, brimming with errors needing rectification. Transforming their approach is imperative, lest their journey continue unraveling.
Here are two blunders and one masterstroke committed by Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2024 match against RR.
#1. Mistake – MI needlessly used Dewald Brevis as an impact player
After Trent Boult dismissed Rohit Sharma and Naman Dhir in the game’s opening over, MI believed they had seen enough and replaced the latter with Dewald Brevis as an impact player.
The decision didn’t seem logical. Brevis, currently, lacked expertise in swing bowling. Additionally, he wasn’t part of the initial eleven players. Mumbai Indians should’ve observed the situation for some overs before making such a significant change.
Other alternatives on the bench included Romario Shepherd and Nehal Wadhera. However, Brevis was brought in instead, and he, obviously, did not last long – one ball, to be exact.
#2. Masterstroke – Jasprit Bumrah bowled three overs in the powerplay
Mumbai Indians poor total pushed Hardik Pandya’s hand to some extent, but the skipper did the right thing by giving the ball to ace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah during the powerplay. Hardik even kept Bumrah on for three overs in an attempt to pick up a couple early wickets.
The move may not have paid off, as Bumrah went wicketless. However, the superstar fast bowler beat the bat several times, causing the ball to hoop in both directions.
Going ahead, Hardik may have to deploy a few more Jasprit Bumrah overs on the powerplay, even if he has runs on the board. It hasn’t occurred before, and the advantages may exceed the drawbacks.
#3. Mistake – Hardik Pandya should’ve bowled himself in the post-powerplay phase
Hardik Pandya was heavily criticized during MI’s first two games for appearing to overbowl himself, particularly on the powerplay. That was also an issue when he played for the Gujarat Titans, as he frequently bowled ahead of the team’s specialist fast bowlers.
Hardik has shown to be a guy of extremes, and his performance against RR was the polar opposite. Despite the fact that the Wankhede pitch featured bounce and seam movement, Mumbai’s skipper did not initiate the assault.
The fact that MI had four other pace options may have deterred Hardik from putting himself on, but Gerald Coetzee was pricey and Piyush Chawla ineffectual. He must strike the correct balance regarding his personal engagement with the ball.
