Jasprit Bumrah (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)
New Delhi: Former India captain, 1983 World Cup winner and former selector Chris Srikanth believes that Mumbai Indians Even in the captain’s absence, he has rediscovered high energy and dominance Hardik Pandya. Pandya has been out of Mumbai Indians’ last three matches.With a back problem aside, Pandya missed Mumbai Indians’ home match against Lucknow Supergiants for the first time on 4 May. He was subsequently ruled out of the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur despite traveling with the squad. In his absence, Surya Kumar Yadav led to the side. Pandya didn’t even go to Dharamsala for Mumbai Indians’ six-wicket win over Punjab Kings, where Jasprit Bumrah Became MI’s third captain this season after Surya Kumar missed the game after giving birth to his child.Bumrah’s first outing as Mumbai Indians captain turned into a memorable one as he led the team to a six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings.Led by Bumrah, Shardul Thakur took four wickets, while Deepak Chahar took two as Punjab Kings scored 200/8. Mumbai Indians then chased down the target in 19.5 overs, with Tilak Verma scoring an unbeaten 75 off just 33 balls.Srikanth felt that there was a fresh energy within the side.Srikanth said on his YouTube channel, “It’s a good call. I think it’s a brilliant move for Bumrah to come in as captain.”Srikanth also felt that the atmosphere in the team had changed significantly in Hardik’s absence.“Definitely, definitely a problem. Sure, the mood on the team was lighter. The team suddenly seems more united as a whole.”“Suriya also did not play in this match. He was not playing the match due to personal reasons, he did not play the match. But whatever, the younger side is suddenly saying like you. They come in and Deepak Chahar is bowling well. That Raj Angad Bawa partner is bowling well. Everyone is performing. Tilak Verma did a brilliant job. Ryan Rickleton broke through early with aggressive shots and dominated.”“Overall, like you said, intent on winning, they will succeed. This is the key in cricket. She was the energy,” said Srikanth.Srikanth added that Bumrah looked relaxed on the field and supported the bowlers with confidence.“And if you look at the bowling as well, Bumrah was always smiling. He was giving the bowlers a lot of confidence. And I thought Bumrah’s captaincy made a huge difference to people like Deepak Chahar. And of course Shardul Thakur, because otherwise, they bowl loose and leak runs. Everybody took wickets today.” Srikanthik said.Mumbai Indians next face Kolkata Knight Riders on May 20, with Pandya expected to return and lead the side again.
