The Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, have been knocked out of the IPL 2024, ending their hopes of advancing in the tournament early. Even before the IPL started, there was unrest within the Mumbai Indians team due to Rohit Sharma‘s removal as captain.
Despite this, four key players from the MI camp, including Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah, are set to represent the Indian cricket team in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, where they will face Ireland. A recent report suggests that the situation within the Mumbai Indians team was not expected to improve over time, contrary to initial hopes.
According to sources cited in the Dainik Jagran report, both Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar, a prominent BCCI selector, were opposed to the inclusion of Hardik Pandya in the 15-member T20 World Cup squad. Pandya’s performance in the IPL 2024 has been inconsistent, with 200 runs and 11 wickets in 13 matches, most of which came in the latter part of the tournament.
Hardik Pandya has been out of form
The report also indicates that Pandya’s selection for the T20 World Cup was influenced by external pressure, and there are rumours that Rohit Sharma might retire from T20 cricket after the tournament.
During a press conference following the squad selection, Rohit and Agarkar were questioned about Pandya’s inclusion despite his poor form. Agarkar defended the decision by explaining that the selection committee had limited options and couldn’t find a suitable replacement for Pandya.
In summary, the Mumbai Indians’ early exit from the IPL 2024, coupled with internal disagreements regarding Hardik Pandya‘s selection for the T20 World Cup, has added tension to the team environment. Despite challenges, the Indian cricket team will rely on the talents of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and others as they prepare to compete in the upcoming tournament.
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