Hardik Pandya’s captaincy has come under intense scrutiny following Mumbai Indians’ heavy defeat to Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, with former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan issuing a sharp “do better” warning and urging the skipper to “show courage” on the field.

Pathan criticised Pandya’s on-field decisions, particularly in terms of bowling changes and tactical approach during key phases of the match. He suggested that the lack of proactive leadership allowed CSK to dominate proceedings, especially in the middle and death overs where the game slipped away from Mumbai Indians.

The defeat has intensified debate around Pandya’s leadership style, with analysts pointing to inconsistencies in strategy and execution. Questions have also been raised about team balance and the handling of senior players, as Mumbai Indians struggle to find rhythm in the ongoing season.

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CSK, on the other hand, delivered a commanding performance, capitalising on key moments and maintaining pressure throughout the contest. Their disciplined bowling and effective batting partnerships ensured that Mumbai never recovered after falling behind early in the match.

Pathan emphasised that leadership in a high-pressure tournament like the IPL requires decisiveness and adaptability. He urged Pandya to take bold calls, back his instincts, and communicate clear plans to his players, especially when facing strong opposition.

With the tournament progressing, the spotlight will remain firmly on Pandya as he looks to turn things around for Mumbai Indians. The coming matches are likely to test not just the team’s performance but also the captain’s ability to respond to mounting criticism and deliver results.

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