Ambati Rayudu, Sanjay Bangar fight over Hardik Pandya’s decision to use Rohit Sharma as Impact Sub

A tactical decision by Mumbai Indians (MI) to use Rohit Sharma as an Impact Player in their IPL 2025 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sparked a heated exchange between two former Indian cricketers. Sanjay Bangar said that MI captain Hardik Pandya needed Rohit’s presence on the field.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a challenging total of 221 in Match 20 of IPL 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday, April 7. Rohit Sharma could only score 17 runs off nine balls during the chase. The 37-year-old has registered scores of 0, 8, 13, and 17 in his first four matches of the season.

Nobody Wants to Be in Hardik Pandya's Ears - Ambati Rayudu

In a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Sanjay Bangar said that Rohit Sharma could have helped Hardik Pandya with his experience, especially in leadership decisions. Bangar added that the team was missing Rohit Sharma's guidance. However, Rayudu said that a captain should make decisions on his own.

"I want to ask you one question, Rayudu. I think Rohit's absence on the field is hurting from a leadership point of view. He could probably give Hardik the right input as well," Bangar said.

"I don't think Hardik needs input. A captain needs to be left alone. It is his team, his input, and you cannot have 10 people in his ears like last year. Rohit is India's captain, and nobody wants to be in his ears when he is captaining. You should follow the same approach with Hardik here. No captain has to be left alone, Sanjay bhai. Sorry," Rayudu said.

You Never Led an IPL Team - Sanjay Bangar Fires Back at Ambati Rayudu

Sanjay Bangar said that Mumbai Indians can use players like Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir, who don't bowl, as Impact Subs. Ambati Rayudu responded that the team now belongs to Hardik Pandya and decisions should be left to the current captain.

"But you look, when you get an impact sub in, you are looking at specialists. And if I have to look at the other options, MI have Naman Dhir and Tilak, who don't bowl. So, in the T20 setup, having that kind of experience in the field is of immense value. For you, it was different because you never led an IPL team," Bangar stated.

"But he is not the captain anymore. It is Hardik's team. Let's not get into that debate. Rohit is a great leader; we all acknowledge that, but it is Hardik's team, and he will do whatever he sees fit. Rohit's input can always come from a substitute fielder. He does not have to be on the field for that," Rayudu added.

Another Low Score for Rohit Sharma Amid Mumbai Indian’s Struggles

Hardik Pandya made notable contributions with both bat and ball but couldn't prevent his team’s fourth defeat of the season. He picked up two wickets for 45 runs in his four overs. However, RCB scored 221 runs, with contributions from Virat Kohli (67), Rajat Patidar (64), and Jitesh Sharma (40*).

During MI's chase, Rohit Sharma showed early aggression. He hit two fours and a six in quick succession but was bowled by Yash Dayal in the second over for 17. Pandya smashed 42 off just 15 balls in a rapid 89-run partnership with Tilak Varma. However, MI ended on 209/9, losing the match by 12 runs.

Mumbai Indians will look to bounce back in their next fixture against Delhi Capitals on April 13 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

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