IPL 2024: Anil Kumble takes hilarious dig at Hardik Pandya for not revealing XI at toss

Mumbai Indians (MI), under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, faced the Gujarat Titans (GT) in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 clash. Pandya's return to MI, the team where he commenced his IPL journey, was met with immense backlash and speculation following a significant all-cash deal between GT and MI before the tournament.

The transition also saw Pandya being given the captaincy role, succeeding Rohit Sharma, who had guided MI to five IPL titles. At the toss, when asked about the team combination by presenter Ravi Shastri, Pandya's response was both vague and unconventional.

Instead of naming the playing XI, he simply stated, "We have four quicks, three spinners, and seven batters. Making sure all the departments are looked after."

Also read: Irfan Pathan not impressed with Hardik Pandya's calls against Gujarat Titans

Would never expect Hardik to tell us: Anil Kumble

This sparked a hilarious reaction from JioCinema expert Anil Kumble, who could not resist taking a playful dig at Pandya's antics. Speaking with presenter Suhail Chandhok and AB de Villiers, Kumble said, "I would never expect Hardik to tell us the names as well. Four fast bowlers, three spinners, 11 fielders, we all know that. Who are those?"

Pandya's captaincy debut with MI did not start as he would have wanted, as MI lost the game. Pandya, ever since he walked into the field for the toss at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, was being booed by the GT fans. The all-rounder scored 11 runs from four balls, which included a boundary and a six in the last over but couldn't take his team home.  

Also read: Rohit Sharma scolds Hardik Pandya after match as Akash Ambani reacts, video goes viral

Sai Sudharsan (45 off 39) and powered hosts to 168/6. Jasprit Bumrah's 3/14 was the only best performer with the ball. In response, Rohit Sharma's 43 and Dewald Brevis' 46 kept MI's hope alive but they fell short of the target by six runs.