KKR vs MI: Gerald Coetzee takes Hardik Pandya's side openly as Rohit Sharma not even mentioned

Young fast bowler Gerald Coetzee lauded Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya despite the team's disappointing performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Gerald Coetzee described Hardik Pandya as an "exceptional" leader, highlighting his unique captaincy style.

Hardik Pandya was appointed as captain of the five-time IPL champions before last year's auction. The all-rounder replaced Rohit Sharma, who is the most successful captain for the Mumbai Indians. Pandya was booed by fans across different venues in the early stages of the ongoing season.

The Hardik Pandya-led team became the first team to be eliminated in the 17th edition of the tournament. The MI team has won just four matches out of 12 in the IPL 2024. The Mumbai-based team is currently in ninth place in the standings, with eight points and a net run rate (NRR) of -0.212.

Hardik Pandya Has Been A Really Good Captain - Gerald Coetzee

Despite MI's disappointing season, Gerald Coetzee stated that Hardik Pandya has been a really good captain. Coetzee acknowledged Pandya's unique style of captaincy and ability to motivate players and communicate plans effectively.

“He’s (Pandya) been a really good captain. I think as you get different captaincy styles, he’s got a unique style that is unique to him, and no captain is the same. He’s been really good. He’s been really motivational to the guys, he’s been unequivocal with the plans, and I think he’s an exceptional captain,” Coetzee said.

Hardik Pandya has struggled to perform both with the bat and ball in the IPL 2024. The right-handed batter has amassed 198 runs in 12 matches at an average of 19.80 and a strike rate of 147.76. With the ball, he has taken 11 wickets at an average of 29.82 and an expensive economy rate of 10.58.

It's Been Incredible - Gerald Coetzee

Gerald Coetzee described his debut IPL season as incredibly challenging. The South African fast bowler stated that he has learned a lot and added that he wants to rectify mistakes in future IPL seasons.

“It’s been incredible. I think it’s lived up to the hype. It’s been incredibly challenging from a cricket point of view, which is exactly what I want from my career. I think I’ve learned a lot. I’ve done good things. I’ve made mistakes. I’ll take that, and hopefully, in future IPLs, I can come back and learn and rectify,” Coetzee added.

Gerald Coetzee has encountered a challenging debut IPL season. The right-arm pacer has featured in 10 matches for the Mumbai Indians, claiming 13 wickets at a disappointing economy rate of 10.18. Notably, he has only managed to secure one wicket in his last three appearances.

The Mumbai Indians will lock horns with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their next match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, May 11. The team will face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final league stage match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, May 17.

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