Mumbai Indians all-rounder Tim David has come out in strong support of captain Hardik Pandya, whose strike rate in IPL 2024 has been under scrutiny.
Hardik Pandya: The Anchor, Not the Exploder
While Hardik Pandya‘s strike rate sits at 138.46 with 108 runs in four matches, Tim David argues that his role has been crucial in holding together the MI batting lineup.
He highlights instances where Hardik Pandya played anchor roles in low-scoring matches, providing a stable platform for the big hitters to come in later. Tim David acknowledges that in some situations, Pandya might not have gone for the big shots, but his contribution in stabilizing the innings shouldn’t be overlooked.
“Hardik has been phenomenal in the way he has been playing for the team. That is what we need at some point. Sometimes it is me, sometimes it is other guys.”
Impact Player Rule: Freedom vs. Stability
Tim David acknowledges the impact of the new “impact player” rule, allowing some teams like Kolkata Knight Riders to adopt a more aggressive batting approach.
This strategy prioritizes explosive batting at the expense of stability, sometimes leading to collapses in the middle order. However, MI seems to be taking a more cautious approach with Pandya anchoring the middle overs, allowing David and others to capitalize later in the innings.
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Full Faith in Hardik Pandya
Tim David emphasizes the team’s unwavering support for Pandya’s captaincy and batting style. He reminds everyone of Pandya’s six-hitting prowess, highlighting his ability to win matches single-handedly when the opportunity arises.
David’s message is clear: While Pandya might not be the biggest scorer at the moment, his role in stabilizing the innings is invaluable. His leadership and experience provide a solid foundation for the big hitters to flourish later in the batting order.
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