Cricket pundits propose lessons for Hardik from Dhoni’s leadership playbook.
The Mumbai Indians captaincy shift and ensuing fan backlash have stirred a debate around strategies to placate spectators. At the RR clash toss, boos rang out for Hardik Pandya at Wankhede stadium, implying simmering dissatisfaction.
Former cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Navjot Singh Sidhu weighed in, noting resentment towards removing 5-time title-winning skipper Rohit Sharma. The latter felt only consistent wins could remedy unrest.
During a Star Sports panel discussion, Sidhu said combating 277 runs and close defeats required reexamining team combinations. Citing the SH clash, in which MI conceded a record total, he advised Hardik to prioritize structure.
The veteran alluded to MS Dhoni‘s astute captaincy playbook for guidance. Spotting injured Devon Conway’s IPL value last season, Dhoni inserted a compatible replacement in Rachin Ravindra.
Sidhu urged Hardik to identify such strategic substitutes to plug weak links. “Unless adjustments are made, the captain risks further vulnerabilities,” he cautioned.
His views came after Mumbai suffered its third consecutive loss to an in-form Rajasthan. Hardik now aims to revive a floundering campaign by implementing Dhoni’s subtle yet impactful man-management acumen.
With spectators hankering for success, mimicking the talismanic former India captain’s minor yet meaningful innovations offers a proven template for building cohesion under trying circumstances.
