Outspoken ex-batter Sanjay Manjrekar wants Mumbai Indians to drop Hardik Pandya from captaincy – handing the role instead to Jasprit Bumrah. Their playoff hopes vanished after a crushing defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, decided on the final delivery. Despite being five-time winners, the team has managed only three victories this season. Public and expert backlash over Hardik’s leadership has grown sharp and loud. Speaking with Sportstar, Manjrekar insisted it is time for fresh thinking at the top; let their leading fast bowler step into command.
“I’d like to see Bumrah captain India, because I don’t think anyone sees the game as well as he does. What he does with his bowling is not just about the action, it’s also about anticipation, reading the batter, reading the situation and understanding pitches. I’m just a little disappointed that he doesn’t seem interested in being captain in England. He didn’t captain when Shubman Gill was made captain. But hopefully, at least in the Indian Premier League, he should get that shot,” he said.
Out of nowhere, Manjrekar brought up how MI might’ve done better grabbing Ashish Nehra too during that big swap for Hardik. With Hardik on board, Nehra stepped into the spotlight, both steering Gujarat Titans straight into an IPL crown.
You’re right on track with where my thoughts were headed. Looking past Hardik Pandya could be necessary now. That choice just did not pay off so far. He deserves better than being tied into something unfair. Almost feels automatic – once one thing happens, the rest follows. If Hardik made the trip to Mumbai, surely bringing Ashish Nehra along would’ve made sense. Yet here’s the thing – Ashish isn’t joining him at all
“I’d really like to see Bumrah being given a shot because that is not as much of a burden on him as being a Test captain, where he has to stay fit and ready for every Test match,” he added.