Watch: Hardik Pandya Takes Bowling Coach Lasith Malinga's Seat In SRH vs MI Match, Video Goes Viral
IPL 2024: A video clip documents Lasith Malinga's sudden exit as Pandya approaches batting coach Kieron Pollard for a discussion, sparking concerns regarding the cohesion within the MI setup.
A viral video capturing a contentious moment involving Mumbai Indians' new captain, Hardik Pandya, has ignited fervent debate among cricket enthusiasts. The clip shows Pandya displacing MI bowling coach Lasith Malinga from his seat at the dug-out during the intense clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, adding fuel to the scrutiny surrounding Pandya's leadership.
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Despite the widespread attention drawn by the video, Mumbai Indians found themselves grappling with on-field challenges as they suffered consecutive defeats under Pandya's captaincy. The team's fortunes took a hit in their opening match against Gujarat Titans, followed by another setback against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Even Malinga looks unhappy with their new captain. #SRHvMI pic.twitter.com/tmhLGnmgIt
¡ª Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) March 27, 2024
The ninth match of IPL 2024 witnessed an extraordinary display of batting prowess, with both teams amassing a staggering total of 38 sixes and setting a new record for aggregate runs in T20 cricket history, with 523 runs scored on the match day.
However, amidst the excitement of the run-fest, Pandya's actions in the dug-out stirred controversy, with critics labeling his behavior towards senior players like Malinga as disrespectful. The incident has only added to the mounting pressure on Pandya following MI's disappointing start to the season.
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In their latest encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad, MI faced a daunting challenge as the opposition posted a formidable total of 277/3, surpassing the previous record for the highest runs scored in an IPL match. Despite a spirited effort in the run-chase, MI fell short by 31 runs, further amplifying concerns about their campaign.
With Mumbai Indians languishing at ninth position on the points table and a negative net run rate of -0.925, urgent improvements are imperative to revive their playoff hopes. The upcoming clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium on April 1 presents a crucial opportunity for Pandya and his team to turn their fortunes around.
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