GT vs MI, IPL 2024: ‘Hardik made big mistakes’ - Irfan unimpressed with Mumbai skipper’s tactical calls

Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) faced Gujarat Titans in match 5 of the IPL 2024 edition on March 24 (Sunday) at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Opting to bowl first, MI restricted GT to 168 for 6, who rode on Sai Sudharsan's 45. In reply, MI needed only 39off the last 24 balls (with six wickets intact) but still ended with 162 for 9 as Shubman Gill & Co. emerged on top by six runs.

Throughout the high-voltage contest, Hardik -- GT's former skipper -- was given a tough time by the Ahmedabad crowd for leaving the franchise and rejoining MI. Some of his captaincy decisions also made heads turn as his side endured a narrow loss. After the game, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan slammed Hardik forgiving Jasprit Bumrah -- MI's ace pacer -- only one over in the powerplays and for promoting Australia's Tim David, instead of him, with Rashid Khan having an over left in the end moments.

On his Instagram account, Irfan shared a video and said, "Hardik Pandya made big mistakes in the match. In the powerplay, he bowled 2 overs himself, that was a big mistake. He brought Jasprit Bumrah into the attack a bit late." Notably, Hardik gave away 20 runsin his first two overs without making an impactand allowed Gill & Co. to start strongly.

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He further stated, "And secondly, when they were chasing, they sent Tim David higher up the order. He sent Tim David when Rashid Khan had an over left."

Irfan added, "I felt Hardik Pandya maybe didn't want to face Rashid Khan after having not played cricket for a long time. This could be the case. I won't agree with the fact that there was an experienced Indian batter sitting in the dressing room and sent an overseas player under pressure against Rashid. They missed a trick there."

Having played with and against Rashid for a long time, many expected Hardik to come ahead of David. However, he promoted the Aussie batter -- who hasn't facedRashid a lot -- in the 17th over.

Tim David vs Rashid Khan in the IPL (including Sunday's game)
Runs: 11
Balls: 11
Dismissals: 2

Rashid bowled a tight 17th over, conceding only 3 runs. He ended with 4-0-23-0whereas Mohit Sharma's 4-0-32-2 also played a pivotal role in GT's comeback. Further, Umesh Yadav removed Hardik -- despite being hit for a 6 and 4 in the first two deliveries -- in the final over to help GT defend 13 off 6 and claim a stunningwin over MI.

GT face defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Tuesday (March 26) in Chennai whereas MI will now travel to Hyderabad to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday (March 27).