Hardik Pandya faced a tough time in the latest IPL season, both as a captain and player. His team, the Mumbai Indians (MI), finished at the bottom of the points table. Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh sympathized with Pandya, noting that he hasn’t been “a free man” lately. Hardik Pandya’s struggles were compounded by fans’ constant jeering, even at MI’s home ground, Wankhede Stadium.
Hope for a Better Performance in T20 World Cup
Harbhajan Singh is optimistic that Hardik Pandya will bounce back during the upcoming T20 World Cup. He believes that Pandya will perform better in the Indian team jersey, capable of scoring runs and taking wickets. Harbhajan emphasized that a successful tournament for Pandya could greatly benefit the Indian team’s chances.
Internal Team Issues and Fan Backlash
One of the main reasons for MI’s poor performance was the controversial decision to make Pandya the captain, replacing long-time skipper Rohit Sharma. This decision reportedly caused divisions within the team. Harbhajan urged the team management to ensure Pandya and Rohit work together harmoniously for the World Cup, emphasizing the importance of unity for achieving success.
Concerns Over India’s Bowling Attack
Harbhajan Singh expressed concerns about India’s pace attack for the T20 World Cup. While Jasprit Bumrah is seen as a standout bowler who can succeed on any pitch, Harbhajan pointed out that other bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj might struggle without favorable conditions. He stressed the need for other bowlers to step up and support Bumrah to create a strong bowling unit.
In conclusion, Harbhajan Singh hopes that the management and players will unite to bring out the best in each other, aiming for World Cup glory, which he believes is a greater achievement than winning the IPL.
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