Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is just a few days away, and defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opening match of the competition. Ahead of the IPL, teams are making their final preparations for the upcoming edition of the league.
The very next day, five-time champion Mumbai Indians (MI) will also take the field against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Before that match, former Delhi Capitals (DC) coach Mohammad Kaif had given a big verdict on MI captain Hardik Pandya.
Former DC coach lashed out at Hardik Pandya
MI had crashed out of the competition against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2 last season. Speaking on Kaif’s YouTube channel, the cricketer turned commentator said that Hardik Pandya looked confused during the game and had no answer to Shreyas Iyer’s amazing batting performance on the night that took the game away from MI.
Mohammad Kaif also said that Mumbai Indians made a mistake in using Rohit Sharma as an impact player because of his presence on the field in the high-stakes game against Punjab Kings.
Rohit Sharma will not be on the field – Mohammad Kaif
Kaif said, “One thing they did wrong last year was not having Rohit Sharma on the field. I don’t think Rohit should be used as an impact player. He has won five IPL trophies, ICC Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup as captain.”
“Hardik Pandya will handle things well, but last year in Qualifier 2, when Shreyas Iyer was hitting sixes after sixes, Hardik Pandya was not able to understand what to do.”
Rohit Sharma has won so many matches – Kaif told the importance of former MI captain
He also mentioned that if Rohit had been in the field, the bowlers and Pandya would have got a boost, as the former India captain has led MI to five IPL titles, and has been the most successful captain ever, and knows how to handle pressure and make his bowlers work.
Kaif further said, “Ashwini gave 50-60 runs in that match. During difficult conditions, when the bowler is ready to bowl, and Rohit Sharma is standing next to him, there is a sigh of relief.”
“Making eye contact, or explaining something with a smile on the face, makes a lot of difference. Rohit Sharma has won many matches by talking to the bowlers. He was the captain of the bowlers.”
He[Hardik Pandya] Need someone to talk to – Kaif
Kaif also warned Hardik Pandya not to repeat the same mistake this season, as Mumbai has not performed like a champion team under his leadership in the last few seasons.
“I would like Hardik Pandya himself to tell the head coach or the boss that he wants Rohit Sharma on the field. He needs someone to talk to in difficult moments. Yes, Suryakumar Yadav is there, and he is also a World Cup-winning captain, but Rohit Sharma’s experience will be very important.”
“Hardik himself should say that he wants Rohit Sharma on the field. The coach should not say that Rohit Sharma will not be used as an impact player and he will field. Hardik should say this himself because when he goes to lift the trophy, Rohit Sharma will not be there, the trophy will be in his name and only he will get all the recognition and respect.”
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