Not Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma Is Still Captain For Many Mumbai Indian Players: Irfan Pathan

Former Indian star bowler and commentator Irfan Pathan added the fuel to ongoing controversy saying a few players still see Rohit Sharma as their captain, not Hardik Pandya. Sharing his thoughts from the commentary box during the RR vs MI game, Irfan Pathan, in reference to the 19th over of the Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings match, said speedster Akash Madhwal was more interested in what Rohit was saying and paid a deaf ear to Hardik.

"Akash Madhwal was there and there was Hardik Pandya. It was a pressure situation and Madhwal was just looking at Rohit Sharma. He was talking only to him regarding setting the field. This happens when you have that confidence 'he is my captain, not the other guy'. This needs to change and I think Hardik Pandya is capable of doing it," Irfan Pathan said.

Hardik Pandya has been facing the heat from fans as well as team failed miserably under his captaincy this season. MI has lost five matches out of eight games that they have played in Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) and fans are now praying for a miracle leading to playoff qualification.

The Mumbai Indians franchise added Hardik Pandya in a sensational trade from Gujarat Titans for a whopping Rs 15 crore deal and reportedly the all-rounder agreed to it on condition of being skipper.

However, the fans did not like Mumbai team management's decision to replace Rohit Sharma. Hardik Pandya also had to face booing on several occasions from fans at stadiums as well as on social media platforms.

Mumbai Indians, who faced 4 consecutive defeats won a couple of games but now again faced defeat in their previous match against Rajasthan.