"Hardik Pandya’s hitting ability is going down"- Irfan Pathan after MI captain fails in IPL 2024 clash vs RR

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan recently analyzed Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya's batting woes in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. Pandya's indifferent batting form continued on Monday as he departed cheaply for just 10 runs in the match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur.

It was a crucial moment for MI in the first innings of the contest as they desperately needed their captain to provide a strong finish after Tilak Varma and Nehal Wadhera set up a platform with a 99-run partnership. Hardik Pandya entered the crease in the 17th over following Wadhera's departure with MI on 151/5.

Hardik struggled to get going immediately and did not look at his fluent best before getting out in a tame fashion in the 19th over after missing a full toss.

Irfan Pathan observed Hardik Pandya's batting performance against RR and took to his official X handle to express concern over the all-rounder's waning hitting form. Pathan wrote:

"Hardik Pandya’s hitting ability is going down. That’s a big worry on a larger picture. At the wankhede he is different but on pitches where there is little help is what is worrisome for him."

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Hardik Pandya also had an off day with the ball as RR beat MI clinically by 9 wickets in IPL 2024 match in Jaipur

After a disappointing batting performance, Hardik Pandya took the new ball and bowled the first over while defending 179 against a strong Rajasthan Royals side. It did not work out for the MI skipper as Jos Buttler hit two fours and scored 11 runs in the first over, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, to set the tone for the chase.

Jaiswal then went on to score his second IPL century and took RR over the line in 18.4 overs. Sanju Samson (38*) and Jos Buttler (35) chipped in handy knocks to help the hosts register a comfortable victory.

Reflecting on the loss after the game, Pandya said:

"Overall we didn't put the right foot on the path and they outplayed us. Everyone is professional, they know their roles. What we can do is learn from this game and the mistakes we've made and rectify it before the next game. Progression is important.

He added:

"I don't believe much in chopping and changing. I like to back my players. The focus will be on playing good cricket, sticking to the plans and the basic errors we're making, we don't usually make them."

MI will next face the Delhi Capitals on Saturday (April 27) in Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.