Hardik Pandya's IPL 2024 horror show mentioned as Anil Kumble namedrops Rohit Sharma to make major remark on all-rounder's form

Former India captain and head coach Anil Kumble shrugged off all the doubts about Hardik Pandya not being able to perform for the National team.

The all-rounder was scrutinized by the Mumbai Indians and Rohit Sharma fans in IPL 2024 when he switched his allegiance back to MI from Gujarat Titans. Hardik Pandya was traded by the 5-time champions prior to the mini-auction of the 17th edition which ended last month.

IPL Villain to T20 World Cup Hero

He was also made captain of the franchise as he replaced the 5-time championship-winning captain Rohit Sharma.

However, Hardik Pandya's debut season as full-time captain of MI didn't go as planned. He was made subject of plenty of criticism, online trolling as well as racism in every single venue where he went to play. The hatred he received from the Mumbai Indians fans specifically, was a heartbreaking moment for everyone who witnessed the moments.

The social media trail had a direct impact on Hardik Pandya's performance. The all-rounder looked like a shadow of himself as he could not do anything special. Under his captaincy, Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom of the points table, winning 4 and losing 10 matches in the season.

Hardik Pandya's performances in IPL 2024 also prompted doubts about his selection in India's ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad. But as expected, Pandya was selected and was handed vice-captaincy of the team. Since marking his international return against Ireland for the first time since the ODI World Cup 2023 on home soil, Pandya hasn't looked back.

Against Ireland, Hardik Pandya didn't get the chance to bat but he did register bowling figures of 3/27. Against Pakistan, he scored 7 runs but picked up the important wickets of Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan. He repeated a similar bowling performance against the USA, claiming 2/14, and yesterday against Afghanistan, the all-rounder scored a very important 32 off 24.

Anil Kumble shares his two cents on Hardik Pandya

Anil Kumble, while speaking to ESPNcricinfo, was asked about his views on Hardik Pandya's batting performance against Afghanistan in the Super 8 match. Kumble responded by saying that there hasn't been a shadow of doubt on whether he will perform wearing the National jersey or not.

Anil Kumble, who has spent a lot of time with Hardik Pandya as India's head coach, highlighted the trauma he went through in IPL 2024. The former leg-spinner stated that Pandya's bowling performances in the Group Stages helped his confidence and his batting performance yesterday put India in a comfortable situation.

"I don't think there's been any doubt (about) Hardik Pandya when he plays for India. I think in terms of being players themselves in the group, they won't have any doubts about Hardik's performance. This batting performance would have certainly given him a lot of confidence," Kumble said via ESPNcricinfo.

"Coming into this tournament, of course he was under the pump playing in the IPL. His bowling performances in New York certainly helped him and this batting performance today was really something, that I'm sure he would relish and India will be comfortable now with Hardik coming into form," Anil Kumble concluded.