IPL 2024: 'MI players have not bought into Hardik Pandya as the captain', Ex-India player makes shocking claims

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has fired a stern warning to Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. According to Tiwary, Pandya's current strategy could potentially jeopardize MI's chances of making it to the playoffs.

Tiwary's critique came after MI's loss to the Rajasthan Royals, where he questioned Pandya's decision to open the bowling instead of using Jasprit Bumrah, who is considered one of the world's leading pacers.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Tiwary aired his disappointment, particularly pointing out the decision to not utilize Jasprit Bumrah against key players like Buttler. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler starred in the run chase and the former went on to score a century in the match as well. Tiwary believes the reluctance to use Bumrah against the pair cost their chances in the match.

"I don't see MI progressing in the points table because these silly mistakes are being made," Tiwary remarked, highlighting the impact of such decisions on the team's performance.

Tiwary also pointed out a significant shift in team dynamics under Pandya's leadership compared to when Rohit Sharma was the captain of the Paltans. He suggested that the players seem less bought into Pandya's captaincy which may lead to a change in leadership in the coming days.

"If this kind of captaincy continues, MI are not making the playoffs. Previously, players were with Rohit Sharma. Now it feels like that MI players have not bought into Hardik Pandya as the captain of the side," Tiwary concluded.

Mumbai suffered a dismal defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals in their previous IPL encounter and are currently placed 7th in the table.