IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan comments on Hardik Pandya’s failures. Check details

Former Indian cricket team all-rounder Irfan Pathan has once again made headlines for his commentary. During the match played between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings, he raised questions regarding Hardik Pandya's captaincy and batting. Pathan questioned Hardik Pandya's decision at the toss, his rotation of bowlers, and the tactical errors committed during the chase.

“Before the match started, before the toss, I told you a figure that happened in the last 6 T20s: The team that batted (first) 4 times has won, but you want to chase after winning the toss. I also said that it is very difficult for you to decide to win the toss and then say that we will bat first,” he said on his YouTube channel.
“It is a difficult task. It was a difficult task for Mumbai, but you have to show courage. And there was a slight turn, a slight help, and Mumbai’s batting was completely exposed,” he added.

Further questioning Pandya's on-field decisions, Pathan stated that Pandya needed to manage his bowlers more strategically, specifically in relation to the specific overs being bowled. He explicitly termed the decision to hand the ball to Kris Bhagat for the 15th—and ultimately final—over of the innings as a clear mistake.

Look, during the 15th or 16th over, you bring in a young bowler like Kris Bhagat, who is playing his second match, against Sanju Samson, who is completely set. It was a wrong decision. You give the last over to him. Sanju Samson is in front. This is not the right decision. You will have to take responsibility. You have to do better as a captain,” he continued. 

Additionally, Pathan pointed out flaws in Hardik Pandya's batting technique, noting that Pandya has been struggling with his form in this manner for quite some time. 

“As a batter too, Hardik made a wrong call. He was definitely under pressure, but you are also looking for form as a batsman. Since 2023, Hardik has not hit an even half-century. You have to use your feet a little. I have said this many times: if there is a little help on the pitch, he has to use his feet. If he uses his feet, he will reach the ball. The pitch is very fast, the ball comes to the ball, then there is no problem.”

“Because he doesn’t run his feet much. Earlier, his stance was also different. Earlier, his stance was different; now it has become wider. That’s why you get a good balance. That’s why he plays very well on pace. The pitch on which there is pace. Where there is a little grip, a little help. We have seen it in the World Cup as well. He gets out there. He will have to work on that a little,” he further added.

Irfan Pathan asserted that Pandya needs to deliver a better performance, particularly given that Mumbai is currently struggling badly in the tournament.

“But overall, the way he played the game, he could have done much better. Mumbai has been left behind a lot. In front of Gujarat, the better victory, the bigger defeat in front of Chennai,” he concluded.