Cricket

IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya needs to win over MI dressing room, says Laxmipathy Balaji

Former Indian pacer Laxmipathy Balaji believes Hardik Pandya needs to win over Mumbai Indians dressing room. Pandya returned to MI after leading Gujarat Titans for two seasons with great success in the IPL. The all-rounder led MI after taking the baton from Rohit Sharma but the team lost the opening clash of the season against the Titans by six runs.

Pandya was also booed by the Ahmedabad crowd at the toss time against GT. The all-rounder went wicketless in the three overs he bowled and also conceded 30 runs.

Pandya was dismissed after scoring a 4-ball 11 in the end. The right-hander was dismissed on a short delivery by Umesh Yadav in the final over.

“It’s been going on for a while, definitely it’s not normally something which you see, a lot of friendships happen, players have gone to different franchises, yes this is one of the cases, but being in a professional field you have to accept that one side is emotional and one side is something very big, when you come to replace a personality like Rohit Sharma who is already a phenomenal achiever when it comes to Mumbai Indians. Definitely, it will take some time, it will settle,” L Balaji said during a press interaction arranged by Star Sports.

“And you have to win your own men, so for Hardik to win the whole dressing room is very important as a player and as a human so definitely that trust needs to be earned and it will take some time to adapt and accept,” Balaji added on the matter.

Balaji added Pandya is perfectly capable of changing things and getting the best out of his players. Pandya has all the leadership experience under his belt and will aim to get the job done for MI.

“I’m sure he’s good enough and professional enough and he’ll accept that and he’s got a young team around him and when they start winning the emotions will be different. If they start losing, then you have problems to face. So slowly things will pop up. It’s better to have a friend in a winning front rather than a losing front,” concluded the former pace.

Mumbai Indians will next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Wednesday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Dinesh Karthik hails support staff after IPL 2025 final win against Punjab Kings

Royal Challengers Bengaluru mentor Dinesh Karthik hailed the team’s think tank after they clinched a… Read More

June 4, 2025

IPL 2025: List of all awards after RCB win maiden title

RCB clinched their maiden IPL title after defeating Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 final by… Read More

June 4, 2025

Aakash Chopra lauds Rajat Patidar’s captaincy in RCB’s IPL 2025 win

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra hailed Rajat Patidar’s captaincy after RCB clinched their maiden… Read More

June 4, 2025

Injury Blow for Malvika Bansod as She Retires Hurt at Indonesia Open

Indian badminton star Malvika Bansod’s campaign at the Indonesia Open 2025 came to a heartbreaking… Read More

June 4, 2025

RCB Finally Breaks the Curse, Clinches Maiden IPL Title in Nail-Biting Final

After 17 seasons of heartbreak, near-misses, and relentless hope, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has finally… Read More

June 4, 2025

East Bengal Target Abhishek Tekcham Singh as Rebuild Begins; Melroy Assisi Set for Diamond Harbour FC Switch

Promising Indian defender Abhishek Tekcham Singh is poised to join East Bengal ahead of the… Read More

June 4, 2025