IPL 2024: “Very confused team this year”- Graeme Smith on Hardik Pandya and MI’s struggles this season

MI have played 11 games, winning 3 and losing 8 in the IPL 2024.

Mumbai Indian's (MI) hopes of qualifying for the playoffs took a further hit after they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 51^st match of the IPL 2024 in Mumbai on May 3. This was KKR’s first win since 2012 against MI at the Wankhede Stadium.

MI now has 3 wins in 11 matches and only 6 points to their name and are placed 9^th on the points table.

Reacting to the poor performance of the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians, former South Africa captain Graeme Smith called the side a confused unit. Smith intimated that MI's locker room may be in disarray as a result of events that have occurred since the beginning of the season.

Hardik Pandya's return to MI divided opinion after the all-rounder succeeded Rohit Sharma as captain of the team. Smith stated that the entire squad appeared puzzled on the field.

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"Hardik has struggled. He's looked like a man under pressure that obviously has created a little bit of turmoil in the environment and who knows how it's affected people. But even their batting lineup, it just looked like they were confused. You know, I think Tilak Varma and Wadhera floating in the middle order. Naman Dhir batting at three tonight they are moving all over the place. They should have had, Tilak at 3, SKY at 4 and Hardik at 5 through the season, David at 6, and then figure out your bowling unit," Graeme Smith said on Jio Cinema.

"They just been a very confused team this year. It's been hugely disappointing from one of the mega franchises in this year's IPL. And, you know, a lot of people will be very, very sore tonight - MI fan base and MI camp," Smith further added.

MI may need to reassess their core after the tournament because they will need to line up their options in the mega auction, which will take place this year, Smith further said.

"With three games to go in a bigger auction next year, do they need to figure out their squad? Do they need to see some players to say okay, we're gonna release this player. You know like Dewald Brevis has been in the squad now for years, hasn't really got a consistent opportunity or taking his opportunity, either. So you know, there are probably some decisions that need to be made by the leadership group for next year," Smith concluded his analysis.