IPL 2024: Virender Sehwag fumes at Hardik Pandya's decision-making in MI's latest loss against KKR, says 'Are these players that bad...'

Legendary India batter Virender Sehwag was left fuming with some of the decisions made by Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya and the franchise's management after the team suffered yet another loss in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) on May 4. The Mumbai-based franchise was beaten by 24 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday, which was the franchise's eighth defeat of the season.

The franchise failed to chase a target of 170 runs, and with the latest defeat, the team's hopes of qualifying for the playoffs also came to a screeching halt.

After the game, Sehwag was astonished by Hardik Pandya and Tim David batting in the lower order, walking out to bat at No.7 and No.8 respectively.

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"He (Rohit Sharma just had a mild back stiffness. "It was just a precautionary thing," Chawla said after the game.

"KKR saved Andre Russell; he played only two balls. Mumbai Indians saved Hardik Pandya and Tim David. What did you achieve by doing that? There were many deliveries left, and they all got out. You could've come earlier, or maybe you could've finished the game earlier, too. I don't know what happens to them when they chase... Hardik Pandya at seven and Tim David at 8. I just don't understand what they did. Are these players that bad that they will get out if they come earlier?" Sehwag told Cricbuzz.

Sehwag urges experienced batters to face more deliveries

Sehwag underlined the importance of experienced campaigners facing as many deliveries as possible for the simple reason that it gives a team a better chance to win matches.

"Hardik Pandya batted at 4 consistently when he was the GT captain. What has happened here? It baffles me that the experienced players are coming so low.

"I'm baffled by this. Management needs to take severe action on players and ask them what's happening. Or, players should speak up about why their batting positions are changed. The captain, batting coach, bowling coach, and support staff are at fault here. Owners need to ask strict questions," Sehwag added.

 

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