NewKerala.com

Harbhajan to Hardik: Bring your T20 World Cup 'A' game to IPL for MI

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has called on Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya to bring his best all-round form from the T20 World Cup into the upcoming IPL season. He emphasized that when a captain leads from the front, it inspires the entire team. Harbhajan also analyzed MI's top order, suggesting only one of Quinton de Kock or Ryan Rickelton will open alongside Rohit Sharma. He believes a strong start and self-belief are key for MI to end their trophy drought.

Key Points: Harbhajan Singh's advice to Hardik Pandya for IPL success

  • Replicate T20 WC form
  • Lead from front as captain
  • Bowling key to impact
  • Top-order selection dilemma
  • Belief crucial for trophy
2 min read

Hardik Pandya needs to bring his 'A' game; do what he did in the T20 WC, says Harbhajan

Former spinner Harbhajan Singh urges MI captain Hardik Pandya to replicate his T20 World Cup form to end Mumbai Indians' trophy drought.

"Hardik Pandya needs to unleash his real Hardik Pandya version. - Harbhajan Singh"

New Delhi, March 16

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has urged Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya to replicate his match-winning form from this year's Men's T20 World Cup as the five-time Indian Premier League champions bid to end a trophy drought.

MI will kick-start their campaign at home against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The side had reached Qualifier 2 in IPL 2025 before losing to eventual runners-up Punjab Kings.

"I think Hardik Pandya needs to unleash his real Hardik Pandya version. He needs to bring his A game to the table. Once he starts playing his A game, not just as a batter but as a bowler as well, it will make a huge difference.

"We saw him bowl in the T20 World Cup. He was brilliant with the ball. That is what he needs to do in the IPL as well. When a captain leads from the front and shows the way, everyone follows. It will come down to belief.

"If Hardik and his men believe from day one that they are not just there to compete, but to lift the trophy for the sixth time, things can change very quickly for MI," said Harbhajan on JioHotstar.

Harbhajan also weighed in on a selection dilemma at the top of the MI batting order, saying the team's management was unlikely to field both South Africa wicketkeeper-batters Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock in the same starting eleven, given the presence of explosive opener Rohit Sharma.

"I don't think the MI team management will make both Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton start in the playing XI together. Only one of these two guys will feature in the starting line-up, and making both of them play will be difficult because MI also have Rohit Sharma at the top.

"He will be the main opener with either Ryan Rickelton or Quinton de Kock giving him company at the other end. Then Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma will come in at three and four. So I don't think we will see Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton playing together at the same time," added Harbhajan.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The pressure on Hardik is immense. Leading MI after Rohit, coming back from injury... fans need to be patient too. But Harbhajan is correct, when he bowls well, the balance of the whole team changes. Fingers crossed for a good season!
A
Aman W
Interesting point about the openers. I think they should go with de Kock. He has the experience and big-match temperament. Rickelton is good, but QdK with Rohit can be a devastating combo right from the powerplay.
P
Priya S
With all due respect to Harbhajan Singh, I feel we focus too much on individuals. Cricket is a team sport. Yes, Hardik is key, but what about the bowling attack? Bumrah can't do it alone every time. The team needs to click as a unit.
K
Karthik V
The "belief" part is crucial. MI has the squad on paper. If the captain believes they can win it, that mindset filters down. Hoping for a strong start against KKR at the Wankhede! The atmosphere will be electric. 🏏
N
Nisha Z
Good analysis. The batting order looks sorted with Rohit, SKY, and Tilak. The real question is the 5th bowler's quota. If Hardik bowls his full 4 overs, it solves so many problems. His fitness is the biggest factor.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50