From boos to belief: Pandya’s leadership finally pays off for Mumbai Indians
Dubai: From boos to belief, Hardik Pandya has turned Mumbai Indians’ season — and perhaps his legacy — on its head..Brought back to lead the side at the cost of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, Pandya was met with fierce backlash and a bottom-place finish in 2024. But a year later, he has Mumbai Indians flying high — six wins in a row, top of the table, and playing like champions-in-waiting..Champions Trophy: Hardik Pandya”s watch price steals the show in Pakistan clash.When he walked out for the toss last season, the boos were louder than the cheers — and they kept coming for eight straight games. Now, the same crowd is on its feet as Mumbai charge towards a potential sixth title..After missing out on the 2023 final, Mumbai took the bold call to trade back Pandya from Gujarat Titans — the very team he led to two finals and one title. But the move came at a cost: Rohit Sharma, a five-time title-winning captain, was sidelined. The fallout was immediate — divided fans, a disjointed dressing room, and a last-place finish in 2024 that raised serious doubts about Pandya’s captaincy credentials..This season, it looked like more of the same with Mumbai Indians managing just one win in their first five games. But a scrappy win over Delhi Capitals sparked a turnaround. Jasprit Bumrah’s return boosted the bowling attack, and the team’s seasoned match-winners slowly found form..And now, they’re in full flow..On Thursday night in Jaipur, Mumbai Indians made a loud statement. A brutal 217 for two — powered by a rampant top order and a late blitz from Pandya himself — was followed by a ruthless bowling performance that skittled Rajasthan Royals for just 117. The 100-run win not only sealed Mumbai Indians’s sixth straight victory, it also marked their first triumph in Jaipur since 2012..The tone was set early. The top four — Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav and Pandya — all fired, while the bowlers, led by Trent Boult and Bumrah, delivered with venom and control. The Royals, who had chased 209 in a canter just days earlier thanks to teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s century, were this time blown away..Pandya emphasises on staying grounded.Pandya, who finished unbeaten on 48, credited the team’s clarity and return to basics..“The way we batted, and we were clinical with the ball — so absolutely a perfect game,” he said. “We’re going back to simple cricket, and it’s working for us. We want to take it game by game and be humble and disciplined.”.He was also full of praise for the batting group’s approach: “We were just saying to play percentage shots. Surya and I said there’s value for shots … Ro and Ryan batted the same way. As a group, the way we batted was proper batsmanship.”.Veteran New Zealand quick Trent Boult, who picked up three wickets, was similarly pleased..“As a unit, can’t ask for much more than that. Satisfying when it all comes together. Some great experience in the bowling. Proper nasty-fasty today from Bumrah. He needs no introduction — he’s a world-class bowler.”.Success story in motion.For Rajasthan, the result ends their playoff hopes. Stand-in skipper Riyan Parag admitted the middle order, including himself, needed to take more responsibility..“You’ve got to give credit to Mumbai Indians. Yeah, 190-200 would have been ideal. But it’s up to the middle order — myself, Dhruv — to step up. We’ve made a lot of small errors and need to focus on the good as well.”.Mumbai’s transformation under Hardik Pandya is no longer a hopeful experiment — it’s a success story in motion. The captain who was once jeered at home is now leading the league’s most in-form side with calm assurance. The management’s bold call to back Pandya — once a lightning rod for criticism — is now fuelling their most dominant run in years. If this is how redemption looks, Mumbai might just be unstoppable.
Source: Sports Editor