Former South African bowler Dale Steyn has delivered a strong message to Mumbai Indians’ all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Romario Shepherd, emphasizing the importance of providing support to full-time pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Gerald Coetzee. This advice comes in the wake of MI’s recent narrow victory over the Punjab Kings, where Bumrah and Coetzee played a crucial role in restricting the opposition’s batting lineup.
Despite a solid performance from Bumrah and Coetzee during the powerplay, the Kings managed to make a comeback in the later stages of the match, led by a rapid innings from Ashutosh Sharma and a valuable contribution from Shashank Singh. It was only towards the end of the chase that Bumrah and Coetzee returned to pick crucial wickets, securing the win for MI.
Steyn expressed concerns about the bowling depth of MI, particularly focusing on the struggles faced by Hardik Pandya with the ball. Hardik’s limited impact as a bowler, coupled with his moderate contributions with the bat, raises questions about his form and effectiveness in crucial situations. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Hardik’s performance becomes even more significant.
“We want to see them close out games early by bringing back Bumrah or Coetzee. However, they need reliable support from players like Hardik and Shepherd,” Steyn remarked during a recent episode of Star Sports Cricket Live.
Additionally, Australian cricketing legend Tom Moody pointed out that MI’s heavy reliance on Bumrah could potentially be a double-edged sword. While Bumrah’s exceptional skills were evident in the early stages of the game, his limited bowling overs in the middle overs allowed the Kings to stage a comeback, raising questions about tactical decisions on the field.
Moody emphasized the need for MI to have a more well-rounded bowling strategy, with contributions from other bowlers to complement Bumrah’s brilliance. This strategic adjustment is essential for MI to maintain their position in the points table and secure crucial victories in the ongoing tournament.
In conclusion, the recent performances of MI’s bowling unit have raised key concerns that need to be addressed promptly to ensure success in the IPL and beyond. As the team navigates through a challenging phase, the emphasis on teamwork, tactical adaptability, and individual performances will be instrumental in shaping their journey in the upcoming matches.
