The former cricketer Manoj Tiwari has suggested that significant changes might occur soon within the Mumbai Indians team, which has faced three consecutive losses in the current IPL season. Manoj Tiwary, speaking after Mumbai Indians’ defeat to the Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, raised concerns about Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, hinting that Pandya might be removed from the captaincy within the next six days before their next match.
However, Tiwary’s statement startled Virender Sehwag, who felt it was premature to make such assertions. Sehwag criticized Tiwary for being too quick to judge the situation. The recent match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals further fueled doubts about Pandya’s leadership abilities, leading to discussions within cricketing circles about the possibility of Pandya being replaced as captain midway through the IPL season.
Manoj said: “I know I am daring to make a big statement. Mumbai got a six-day break after this match. Hardik Pandya may lose the captaincy before the next match. Hardik has made mistakes while leading. Be it a change in bowling or a change in batting order.”
“Hardik did not bowl at home. The ball was actually swinging there. This showed that he was playing under pressure. The batting order also changed. Sometimes Tilak Verma is at the top, and sometimes Brewis comes to bat.”
The decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, has not been well received by Mumbai Indians’ fans. Sharma, who led the team in the past, now plays solely as a batsman in the current season. This decision has left fans discontented, especially as Mumbai Indians have suffered three consecutive defeats under Pandya’s leadership.
The frustration among fans has been evident, with Pandya facing criticism and jeers from the audience since the start of the season. In contrast, Virender Sehwag disagreed with Tiwary’s assertion, expressing his belief that Tiwary acted hastily in making such a claim. Sehwag pointed out that Mumbai Indians have previously clinched the title despite facing defeat in five matches.
He suggested that Hardik Pandya should be allowed to lead the team in a few more matches before any decisions are made about his captaincy.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
