Harbhajan Singh voiced his frustration with Mumbai Indians players for their apparent reluctance to accept Hardik Pandya as captain in IPL 2024. Despite Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma, the team faced three consecutive defeats under his leadership, leaving Pandya isolated in the dugout after the loss against Rajasthan Royals. Harbhajan emphasized the importance of team unity and urged acceptance of the captaincy decision, expressing concern over the situation’s implications for the team.
Harbhajan responded to Ambati Rayudu’s inquiry during a panel discussion, suggesting that influential figures within the dressing room might be inhibiting Hardik Pandya’s ability to lead freely. He acknowledged a sense of confusion surrounding Pandya’s captaincy, highlighting the detrimental impact such dynamics can have on any captain’s performance and team morale.
Navjot Singh Sidhu speculated on the sequence of events, suggesting that had the BCCI named Rohit Sharma as captain for the T20 World Cup earlier, Pandya might not have been chosen as MI skipper. Sidhu attributed the issue to timing and the franchise’s respect for Rohit, indicating that the delay in Rohit’s appointment as India’s T20 captain influenced Mumbai Indians’ decision-making process.
Pandya faced hostility from fans during the IPL, with Sidhu attributing the negative reaction to Rohit Sharma’s enduring popularity among cricket enthusiasts. Sidhu emphasized the significance of success in silencing critics and maintaining fan support, noting the impact of winning matches on public perception and team dynamics.
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