MI vs SRH: "Tension in their team atmosphere" - Graeme Smith reveals Mumbai Indians' dressing room scenes

Former South African captain Graeme Smith criticized the Mumbai Indians (MI) after their recent defeat against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Graeme Smith highlighted that Hardik Pandya has had a lot of struggle, stating that he appeared to be under stress.

The Mumbai Indians suffered a 24-run loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday, May 3. The Kolkata team managed to put up a competitive total of 169 runs after being asked to bat first. In response, the home team was bowled out for 145 runs in 18.5 overs in Mumbai.

The Knight Riders broke their losing streak against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium. The KKR team recorded their first victory against MI at the venue since 2012. The Shreyas Iyer-led team is in second place in the table with 14 points, while Mumbai is in ninth place with just six points to their name.

Hardik Pandya Has Had A Lot Of Struggle - Graeme Smith

Speaking on Jio Cinema, Graeme Smith labeled the Mumbai Indians as a confused and disoriented squad. The former cricketer stated that the issues within MI's dressing room might be affecting their performance.

“Hardik has had a lot of struggle. He appeared to be under stress, which has undoubtedly caused tension in their team atmosphere and might have impacted others. However, it appeared as though they were puzzled even with their batting lineup."

"I believe Wadhera and Tilak Varma should bat in the middle order. With Naman Dhir batting at number three tonight, they looked confused. Tilak at three, SKY at four, Hardik at five, David at six, and then figure out your bowling unit,” Smith told Jio Cinema.

“This year, they have simply been a very disoriented squad. The performance of one of the powerhouses in IPL has been disappointing. The MI fan base and MI camp will be extremely hurt,” he added.

Hardik Pandya has scored 198 runs in 11 matches with an average of 19.80 and a strike rate of 147.76. He recorded a golden duck against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), followed by one run off three balls against KKR. He has taken eight wickets at an average of 37.13 and an economy rate of 11.00.

Dewald Brevis Hasn't Really Got A Consistent Opportunity - Graeme Smith

The former South African captain stated that the Mumbai Indians need to figure out their squad for the mega auction next year. Graeme Smith stated that team management has to make tough decisions about retaining or releasing them.

"With three games to go in a bigger auction next year, do they need to figure out their squad? Do they need to see some players to say okay, we're gonna release this player. You know like Dewald Brevis has been in the squad now for years, hasn't really got a consistent opportunity or taking his opportunity, either," Smith concluded.

The Mumbai team finished at the bottom of the points table after the IPL 2022 mega auction. The team advanced to the playoffs in the following season. They are virtually out of the playoff race in the ongoing tournament under Hardik Pandya's captaincy.

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