IPL 2024: Adam Gilchrist feels MI in limbo under Hardik Pandya after CSK loss; Shares his two cents on fans’ perspective

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) did not have the desired start to the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). They lost three matches on the trot, then staged a comeback in the next two matches before suffering their fourth loss against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday at their backyard, the Wankhede Stadium. 

It was obvious that things were not well inside the MI camp, and the speculation intensified after captain Hardik Pandya's post-match presentation following their 20-run loss. The star all-rounder praised Matheesha Pathirana’s brilliant four-wicket haul and former CSK skipper MS Dhoni’s contributions from behind the stumps. Consequently, Hardik's remarks invited discussions about the lack of support he was getting from the team.

“It (target) was definitely gettable, but they bowled pretty well. Pathirana was the difference. They were smart with the plans and their approach. They got the hang of it, there's a man behind the stumps (Dhoni) who tells them what's working, that helps,” the 30-year-old said during the post-match presentation.

In the aftermath, interestingly, the former Australian wicketkeeper and legend Adam Gilchrist noted that instead of giving credit to Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK captain), Hardik mentioned Dhoni's name.

Also Read: ‘The worst kind of bowling that I've seen’ - Sunil Gavaskar lambasts Hardik Pandya after MI's loss to CSK

"The line about Dhoni is an interesting one. It tells me that he may be feeling like a lone wolf at the moment. Maybe Hardik Pandya is not feeling the support around him,” Gilchrist was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. 

Gilchrist feels MI's captaincy transition wasn't smooth 

The basis of all this chaos is the whopping trade of Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians last year. The move saw Rohit Sharma, who led them to five IPL titles, get removed from the helm and it indeed separated ‘One Family’. There was a massive backlash from fans online and they did not hesitate to feel the real heat by booing Hardik at every IPL venue where MI played.

Also Read: Adam Gilchrist casts doubts on Hardik Pandya’s fitness level after MI’s loss to CSK in IPL 2024

Speaking about MI’s captaincy transition, Adam Gilchrist opined that it wasn’t a smooth transition as it failed to acknowledge the sentiments of their fans. The legendary cricketer also brought in insights from the football clubs to highlight problems in the MI camp, where the franchise's success is backfiring them.

Besides, Gilchrist pointed out that the fans are also a part of the franchise and they are hungry for success and if their expectations are not met, they will not perceive it properly. He also noted that trading Cameron Green, who had an impressive campaign last year under Rohit, to make room for Hardik, was not a call fans would have expected.