Hayden and Pathan believe Dravid need not address MI speculations before the World Cup.
Speculation about a rift between MI skipper Hardik Pandya and ex-captain Rohit Sharma emerged after the franchise’s dismal IPL season. However, cricket greats Matthew Hayden and Irfan Pathan opine the India coach shouldn’t dwell on it ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Hardik and Rohit are coming together in national colors now under Dravid’s guidance. But with questions around their dynamic in Mumbai, speculation is ripe about whether it impacts team camaraderie.
Hayden feels no clarification is needed as the focus has shifted to the showpiece event. “Without words, leadership is understood. Addressing past issues isn’t required,” the Australian legend stated.
Echoing him, Pathan—part of India’s maiden World T20 triumph—remarked that the coach “shouldn’t even discuss this once.” He added that the emphasis must be on building Hardik’s self-belief as a match-winner who allows playing an extra spinner.
Backing the all-rounder’s importance to contributing with bat and ball, especially in West Indies, will help him feel integral to designs, opined Pathan.
In the practice tie against Bangladesh, Hardik seemed to put club form behind, clobbering a 23-ball 40 as India romped to victory. With Rohit as skipper again at the international level, early signs are the duo have united for national glory.
As pundits believe, Dravid need not rake up past IPL episodes but focus on fostering the team cohesion required to realise their World Cup dreams, starting their campaign on June 5.
