Ambati Rayudu opens fire at Hardik Pandya after SRH trounce Mumbai Indians
Published - 28 Mar 2024, 11:26 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:08 AM
Former Chennai Super Kings batter Ambati Rayudu criticized the captaincy and strategies of newly appointed Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya. Ambati Rayudu also expressed concerns about the bowling unit of the Mumbai-based franchise in the recent match.
Hardik Pandya attracted attention for his controversial decisions as captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The MI skipper opted to bowl with the new ball ahead of Jasprit Bumrah. Pandya bowled two overs in the powerplay against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The aggressive approach of the SRH batters scored 81 runs within the first six overs. Instead of attempting to halt the run flow, the decision was made to hold back Bumrah. However, this strategy backfired, as Gerald Coetzee and Kwena Maphaka leaked runs.
Hardik Pandya Hasn’t Comeup With Any Plans – Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu highlighted the evident lack of planning in the performance of the Mumbai Indians team. Rayudu described Mumbai’s bowling unit as the weakest he has witnessed in his career.
“I haven’t seen the Mumbai Indians bowl this bad in my career. It seems like Hardik Pandya hasn’t come up with any plans,” Rayudu said on the air during the SRH vs MI match.
Sunrisers Hyderabad clinched a 31-run victory in a high-scoring encounter at Uppal Stadium on Wednesday, March 27. The match witnessed a record-breaking spree, with both teams collectively amassing over 500 runs throughout the game in Hyderabad.
Travis Head (62 off 24) and Abhishek Sharma (63 off 23) initiated the onslaught, adding 68 runs off just 22 balls for the second wicket. Aiden Markram (42*) and Heinrich Klaasen (80*) capitalized on the start, forging an unbeaten 116-run partnership off 54 balls.
In pursuit of a challenging target, the Mumbai Indians required exceptional performances from their batters. Openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan quickly added 50 runs in three overs. Tilak Varma contributed with a brisk 34-ball 64, keeping his team in contention.
However, none of the other Mumbai Indians’ batters managed to surpass the 50-run mark, resulting in a 31-run shortfall. Abhishek Sharma scored a remarkable 63 off only 23 balls for Sunrisers Hyderabad, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Mumbai Will Not Be Disappointed – Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu refrained from attributing blame to his former franchise. Rayudu noted that Mumbai shouldn’t be disheartened by the loss, highlighting the narrow margin of defeat despite Sunrisers Hyderabad’s formidable total.
“Mumbai will not be disappointed as they conceded just two points. The defeat margin was also only 31 despite a massive total by SRH. They should feel happy about it. There are a lot of positives from the game. Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan’s form will help them in the upcoming matches. Tilak Varma looked good, while Tim David played an attacking knock,” Rayudu said on Star Sports.
“A lot of people think that Mumbai will panic and long meetings will be held, but that’s not the case with the top franchise. They will discuss the areas that need improvement and will move on to the next game,” he added.
The Mumbai team will be hoping to bounce back when they take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their next match at their home ground, Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai on Monday, April 1.
Also read: Ambati Rayudu brutally mocks Ishan Kishan on air, brings out the Ranji Trophy sword
