Former India captain, 1983 World Cup winner, and former selector Kris Srikkanth believes that the Mumbai Indians have rediscovered the high energy and dominance they are known for, even in the absence of captain Hardik Pandya. Pandya has missed the team's last three matches due to a back spasm.
Pandya first sat out the home clash against Lucknow Super Giants on May 4 and then missed the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur despite traveling with the squad. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav led the side. However, Pandya also did not travel to Dharamsala for the six-wicket win over Punjab Kings, where Jasprit Bumrah became Mumbai Indians' third captain this season after Suryakumar missed the game following the birth of his child.
Bumrah's maiden outing as skipper turned into a memorable one as he guided the team to a six-wicket victory. Under his leadership, Shardul Thakur picked up four wickets, while Deepak Chahar claimed two as Punjab Kings posted 200 for 8. Mumbai Indians then chased down the target in 19.5 overs, powered by Tilak Varma's unbeaten 75 off 33 balls.
Srikkanth's observations
Srikkanth felt there was a fresh energy within the side. "It is a good call. I think Bumrah coming in as captain is a fantastic move," said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel. He also noted a noticeable shift in the team environment in Hardik's absence. "Definitely, definitely there is some issue. Definitely, the team's mood was more lighter. The team suddenly looks more united overall."
He added, "Surya too didn't play in that match. He was not playing the match for personal reasons. But whatever it is, the young side suddenly like you are saying. They come and Deepak Chahar is bowling well. That Raj Angad Bawa fellow is bowling decently. Everyone is performing. Tilak Varma performed brilliantly. Ryan Rickleton smashed and dominated with aggressive shots early on."
Srikkanth emphasized the team's will to win. "Overall, like you said, the will to win, they will to succeed. Even though they were down in the dumps, they showed the will to succeed. That is the key in cricket. That energy was there," he said.
Bumrah's captaincy praised
Srikkanth added that Bumrah looked relaxed on the field and backed the bowlers with confidence. "And if you look at the bowling too, even Bumrah was smiling continuously. He was giving lots of confidence to the bowlers. And I thought Bumrah's captaincy made a huge difference to people like Deepak Chahar. And of course Shardul Thakur, because otherwise, they bowl loose deliveries and leak runs. Today, everyone took wickets," said Srikkanth.
Mumbai Indians will next face Kolkata Knight Riders on May 20, with Pandya expected to return and lead the side again. Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score, IPL news, schedule, points table, and the race for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
