MI vs LSG: Hardik Pandya served T20 World Cup warning by former CSK legend

Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson urged Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya to give his best effort in their final league match. Shane Watson acknowledged that the Mumbai Indians, under Hardik Pandya's captaincy, have been very disappointing.

Hardik Pandya was named captain of the five-time IPL champions ahead of the IPL 2024. The all-rounder has had a disappointing outing as MI captain. The team is at the bottom of the table with eight points. They have won just four matches out of 13 in the tournament.

The Mumbai based team will take on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final league stage match at their home ground, Wankhede Stadium, on Friday, May 17. The Lucknow Super Giants, led by KL Rahul, are virtually eliminated from the ongoing tournament.

Mumbai Indians Have Been Very Disappointing - Shane Watson

Speaking on Jio Cinema, Shane Watson stated that Mumbai Indians have performed below their usual standards. Watson said that the team should deliver an impressive performance in front of their home crowd.

“They have got so much to play for. They have been very disappointing this season. With the calibre of players that they have got in their unit, in front of their home crowd, they would want to put up a big show for their home fans and me,” Watson said.

The Mumbai Indians last won the championship in 2020 under Rohit Sharma's captaincy. The team failed to replicate their success in the subsequent editions. They also finished at the bottom of the table in the 2022 season.

Hardik Pandya Has Really Has To Hit His Straps - Shane Watson

The former Australian cricketer emphasized that Hardik Pandya needs to step up in the match against LSG, especially with the T20 World Cup just a few weeks away.

“I have got this feeling that Hardik Pandya has really got to step up in the last game and really exert his dominance. The T20 World Cup is not too far away, and he really has to hit his straps, especially with the bat,” Watson added.

Hardik Pandya last played during the ODI World Cup 2023. The ace cricketer suffered an ankle injury during the match against Bangladesh on October 19. He was named vice-captain for the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA in June.

Hardik Pandya Was Good With Gujarat Titans - Shane Watson

“He has been most disappointing with the bat, knowing how good he was with GT, coming in at No. 4. The impact that he provided with the bat, he was coming in with plenty of runs to score and steady the ship. So, for me Hardik Pandya has to be the man to step up,” Watson concluded.

Hardik Pandya has scored only 200 runs in 11 matches without a single fifty to his name. In contrast, he performed exceptionally well with the bat during his time with GT, scoring 833 runs over two seasons and securing six fifties.

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