Sanjay Manjrekar feels that Mumbai Indians’ (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya and not Rohit Sharma deserves all the credit for the gritty 12-run win against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, April 13.
Karun Nair played a blinder of an innings as he smashed a 40-ball 89 in the second innings. Thanks to his exemplary batting, DC were cruising along in their pursuit of a 206-run target. However, Rohit suggested to Hardik to change the ball from the dugout. The latter agreed to the move and went on to bring Karn Sharma as the impact player. This move worked like magic as the experienced leg-spinner turned the game on its head by bagging a three-for.
While analysing the game, Manjrekar felt that Hardik deserved all the applause for the win as he took the call in the middle. The former India batter also said that fans would have criticised the MI captain if things didn’t work out well.
“There are many people who are there to give suggestions but it all depends on the person in the middle who has to take the decision. He (Hardik) listened to the advice (from Rohit) is the biggest thing. If you give Rohit credit here as well and not Hardik Pandya, it would be the wrong thing. If the suggestion had failed, you would’ve blamed Hardik,” Manjrekar said on Star Sports.
Would be wrong if social media and others say that Mumbai Indians won because of Rohit Sharma’s suggestions: Sanjay Manjrekar
Manjrekar said that Hardik needed the win, especially after the tough times he has endured since becoming captain of the five-time IPL-winning franchise. The cricketer-turned-expert also mentioned that it would be wrong if people say that MI won because of Rohit’s inputs.
“It’s quite easy to give suggestions from outside. The entire credit for this (victory), should go to Hardik Pandya. Considering how emotional he has been (over Mumbai’s recent results), it was an important win for him. It has been quite a difficult journey for him. Would be wrong if social media and others say that Mumbai Indians won because of Rohit Sharma’s suggestions. Hardik Pandya is the captain, and he is the one taking decisions, no matter who is giving suggestions,” Manjrekar added.
Mumbai managed to win only their second game in IPL 2025 after playing six matches. Their next encounter will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 17.
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