The Mumbai Indians are currently at the bottom of the points standings after losing three straight games against the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024.
This week’s “Star Sports Press Room” exclusive features former England speed bowler Stuart Broad on the controversy surrounding Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya in the ongoing IPL 2024. “Yes, the first few games had a pretty unique atmosphere with the supporters surrounding Hardik, but in the end, they were away from home. Thus, it’s similar to when I play for England versus Australia, where you expect to play away from home and face hostile crowds when you play for a major club like the Mumbai Indians.
As we’ve seen in this IPL thus far, home clubs’ dominance is largely due to the atmosphere. It’s crucial that you don’t just try to ignore it and act like it won’t happen as a player. It’s an environment you have to psychologically prepare for. Given how ardently he loves to play for the Mumbai Indians, I believe that the one situation in which Hardik may suffer the most would be if the Mumbai supporters pull it off.
He had the impression that Wankhede Stadium was completely behind him. I believe he should sharpen his mentality there. Ultimately, in professional sports, your primary focus should be on winning games and representing a successful team. Ultimately, you are not making the best tactical choice if your thoughts are actually dragging you into worrying about what the audience will do or how the mood will be towards you as a player.
When it comes to their tactical choices thus far, Hardik and the Mumbai Indians have been ruthlessly honest. Bumrah, the world’s finest T20 bowler, is not being used to his full potential. It’s imperative that you hit him. That was a poor tactical decision, even down to the opening ball of their IPL season, when Hardik bowled the first over. With a leader like Jasprit Bumrah, you can rely on him to set the tone, attempt to grab a wicket on the opening ball of the innings, and generate enthusiasm in the team.
Even Hardik might lead the team and score some runs if he were to come in and bat at No. 5. In the end, he presumably just needs to ensure that he begins making wise tactical choices and begins winning games. That just serves to bring your supporters and team together.
Also read: Hardik Pandya responds to Mumbai Indians’ third consecutive loss in the IPL 2024
Mitchell Starc of the Kolkata Knight Riders is in good form right now. Stuart Broad discusses this and whether the left-arm bowler from Australia can justify his high price. “Whenever you are acquired for a respectable sum, you want to establish your dominance in the competition. Not just on the competition; also on the owners, coaches, and teammates who have supported you. It is definitely not the kind of start you want to have when you bowl your first two games at 8 overs for 100 and no wickets. In the end, though, KKR won both games. That’s really important, in my opinion, because they are winning.
I believe there are even more questions to be answered if they were none from two losses and you have reached 100 runs off of 8 overs without taking any wickets. One thing, though: Mitchell Starc is an accomplished performer. He has a lot of skill with the new ball and at dying. While his rhythm might be a touch off, from a tactical standpoint, seeing him closely, it appears like he is attempting to wobble the ball across the right-hander. For someone like Virat Kohli, this is definitely a way to get the outside edge.
As we have seen over the past 12 years, Mitchell Starc’s greatest strength is his ability to swing the ball back into the stumps at a pace of 145 ks. Ask any right-handed person. One of the most deadly balls in all of cricket’s universe is that ball, flying back to the stumps at that rate. The most difficult ball to play against.
“Mitch, put the price tag away. That’s what I would tell you if I were the KKR bowling coach. Put your top three strengths down in writing and then keep to them. Hold fast to your convictions. It’s the hardest league in the world to bowl in the IPL. The greatest hitters in the world, outstanding Indian players, and young talents who can hit the ball anywhere are all present. The outfields are usually short and the boundaries are narrow. It’s a challenging spot to play. You have to show up and deliver, though, especially if your bowler is a top player abroad. That is what you are supposed to do.
Eden Gardens presents a significant challenge when bowling with the white ball, whereas Chinnaswamy is ultimately the ideal wicket to bat on. He must locate that optimism. at your opening match, you have the Sunrisers and Klaasen, and at the Chinnaswamy, you have Kohli. Can I take it with me from here? But in the end, let’s return to what my precise strengths are. Revert back to your selling points and begin striking those stumps, swinging the ball back and hitting off-stump.
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