IPL 2024: ‘I am not a result–oriented captain’ – Pandya reflects on debut stint as MI skipper

Five-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians will cap off one of their worst seasons in recent years with a final home game against Lucknow Super Giants on Friday (May 17) at the Wankhede Stadium.

Hardik Pandya, theside’snewly-appointed captain this season, reflected on his first year as MI skipper, saying he is not result-oriented, explaining his captaincy mantra, and labelling it simple.

Considering that MI sits in the 10th position with just four wins thus far this season, their game against LSG is for them trying to not finish at the same spot in IPL 2024.

Speaking on one of the‘Captains Speak’segments, shared by the broadcaster on X, Pandya said he aims to instill confidence, belief and love into his teammates, urging them to give their 100 per cent in the matches.

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"Ithink my captaincy is simple,"Hardik said.

"It'sjust Hardik Pandya playing with ten other of his teammates. The mantra is simple. Looking after the players, you give them the confidence, yougive them the belief; you give them the love. They will go out and give more than 100 per cent,andthat'ssomethingI ask for,”he added.

.@hardikpandya7 believes in approach over result and feels it is important to give the team confidence in order for them to perform! 👏🏼

Will @mipaltan and Hardik end the campaign on a winning note? 🤔

Watch him in action as he takes on Lucknow in their final home game tonight!… pic.twitter.com/PTH0s97Zn8 — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 17, 2024

Before returning to his former franchise in a historic swap deal ahead of this season, Pandya led Gujarat Titans for two years, and led them to their maiden IPL title in their first attempt in 2022.

Even the following year, he led his team to the final against Chennai Super Kings, losing the close tie at home in Ahmedabad.

Calling himself approach-oriented rather than result-oriented, Pandya continued,"I am not someone who is result-oriented, but I am definitely approach-oriented. (I see)what kind of approach they (players) are showing, and if I feel thatis suitingthe team, I thinksomewhere down the line it helps the team.”

Pandya’sworrisome form rockedMI

Hardik Pandya returned to competitive cricket in IPL 2024 from an injury layoff, struggling to get going with both bat and ball this season.

While with thebathe just scored 200 runs in 13 matches, 46 being his best, he returned with 11 wickets at over 10 per over.

With the 2024 T20 World Cup on the horizon,Pandya’spoor form mounts worry on the Men in Blue.

India opens their campaign against Ireland on June 5.