NEW DELHI: Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan dissected Mumbai Indians pacer Akash Madhwal's deference to Rohit Sharma's advice over Hardik Pandya's in a much-talked-about moment from the Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.
Pathan, addressing the incident during Mumbai Indians' clash with Rajasthan Royals, emphasized the urgency in rectifying Madhwal's perception of leadership.
"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," Pathan stressed during commentary on Star Sports.
During the Punjab Kings vs MI game, Pandya handed the ball to Madhwal for the final over, who sought counsel from former captain Rohit Sharma.
A viral video depicted Madhwal engrossed in Sharma's advice. Despite Pandya being part of the three-man huddle, Madhwal's actions underscored the pacer's preference for Sharma's leadership over Pandya's.
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IPL 2024 SCHEDULEHaving listened to Rohit's words, Madhwal's execution led to Kagiso Rabada's run-out, concluding Punjab Kings' innings at 183, and winning the game for the five-time IPL winners.
Adding to Pandya's woes, Mumbai Indians' latest defeat to Rajasthan Royals marked their fifth loss of the season, relegating them to seventh place with six points from eight matches.
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