Talent alone isn't enough for Hardik Pandya, says 'disappointed' Jayawardene
What's the story?
After his team's inexplicable loss to the Sunrisers Hyderabad in a low-scorer, Mumbai Indians' coach Mahela Jayawardene has said that youngsters like Hardik Pandya will have to contribute much more consistently to make an impact.
"Leading the game and thinking about the game, that's the part they need to keep learning and especially with good international bowlers coming and doing various things you have to evolve otherwise you won't be able to be consistent", Jayawardene was quoted as saying by PTI.
In case you didn't know...
The Mumbai side melted like a plastic cup on a gas stove against the Sunrisers, failing to chase down a modest target of 119 against the Sunrisers at the Wankhede, despite the visiting team not having Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Billy Stanlake in their side, losing the game by 31 runs. Barring Suryakumar Yadav and Krunal Pandya, none of the batsmen got into double figures.
The heart of the matter
Expressing his displeasure at the way the match unfolded (and the Mumbai lineup folded), Jayawardene said that he was 'disappointed' that the batsmen did not take responsibility during the chase.
He also said that youngsters like Hardik Pandya need to evolve and keep progressing and play smarter cricket in the process.
"Every year you can't bat the same way, if people don't evolve and improve, there is no progress. Young guys like Hardik will learn that and need to work harder, the talent alone will not get you," he added.
What's next?
The defending champions are now seventh on the table, with five losses in six games. Their next game, against the Chennai Super Kings, is at Pune, on April 28th.
Author's take
A string of losses, a majority of them being last-over heartbreaks, highlight Mumbai's inability to clinch crucial moments, often letting the game slip away from their grasp. The indifferent form of their skipper, coupled with an inconsistent batting lineup that misfired more often than not, has put immense strain on the bowlers. While an optimistic Mumbai fan will be hoping for a miraculous turnaround, others would have a fair idea of the fate the franchise might end up being resorted to.