Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist has questioned Hardik Pandya's fitness after the Mumbai Indians skipper struggled in his team's 20-run loss against defending champions Chennai Super Kings. Gilchrist said Pandya did not appear to be at his best, despite taking two wickets earlier in the match. Pandya faced criticism for his overall performance.
Australian legend Adam Gilchrist described Pandya as "proppy" in Australian sporting parlance. He suggested that he lacked fluency and fitness. During the IPL match, CSK's icon MS Dhoni scored 20 runs off Pandya's last over, hitting three consecutive sixes.
Gilchrist observed that Pandya's bowling lacked precision and steadiness, and seemed unfocused.
“The only positive aspect of Hardik Pandya’s bowling was his willingness to take on the challenge. As captain, he wanted to try it but did not look fully confident or fluent in his bowling or poppy.”
Pandya had a difficult time with both bat and ball, taking 2 wickets for 43 runs in three overs and scoring only 2 runs from 6 balls.
Despite criticism from cricket experts and fans, MI batting coach Kieron Pollard backed the all-rounder, reminding everyone that he will play for India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Pandya was frequently booed during the match. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen disapproved of Pandya, stating that he had been 'smiling too much.'
The former Windies all-rounder mentioned that Mumbai would review their plans regarding Dhoni and added that anyone could have fallen victim to the former Chennai captain's assault.
On April 18, MI will face the Punjab Kings in Chandigarh.