Sunil Gavaskar praises Hardik Pandya’s leadership for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 season.
Hardik Pandya Wins Over Wankhede with Calm Captaincy as Mumbai Indians Eye Playoffs
Mumbai Indians had a shaky start in IPL 2025, winning just one of their first five matches. However, the five-time champions bounced back strongly, clinching six consecutive wins and emerging as strong contenders for a playoffs berth. Despite a narrow loss to Gujarat Titans at Wankhede before the league’s temporary suspension due to cross-border tensions, Mumbai currently sit fourth on the points table with 14 points from 12 matches.
They have two league matches remaining—against Delhi Capitals on May 21 and Punjab Kings on May 26. Ahead of the league’s resumption, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar praised Hardik Pandya’s composed leadership and noted how the once-booing Wankhede crowd is now firmly backing him. Gavaskar highlighted that Hardik’s calm demeanor, especially in high-pressure situations, has had a positive influence on the team’s resurgence. He also reflected on Hardik’s iconic moment after India’s T20 World Cup triumph, where he bowled the final over and returned home a hero—an image that helped win over fans.
Gavaskar emphasized that unlike captains who react emotionally to fielding errors, Hardik maintains composure, which helps his players remain confident. This transformation in public perception and leadership style, Gavaskar believes, is a key reason behind Mumbai’s turnaround this season. As the league resumes, all eyes will be on whether Mumbai Indians can carry forward this momentum into the playoffs.
CSK need to invest in youngters
Chennai Super Kings, five-time IPL champions, find themselves at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table and out of playoff contention. In a surprising move, the franchise has turned to young talents like Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis as replacements—and they’ve delivered standout performances.
Former CSK stalwart Suresh Raina believes these performances signal a need for change in the franchise’s auction approach. “Look at Mhatre’s batting—he’s done very well,” Raina noted. He emphasized that when Mhatre and Brevis stepped in, the team’s energy and belief noticeably improved, especially compared to the underwhelming middle-order trio of Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, and Deepak Hooda.
Raina urged CSK to prioritize scouting young talent to revitalize their campaign in future seasons.