R Ashwin and Hardik Pandya (Photo by PTI and BCCI) NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Hardik Pandya’s key decision during the Indian Premier League 2026 following Mumbai Indians’ loss to Chennai Super Kings. The debate centers around Pandya asking the young pacer Krish Bhagat to bowl the crucial death overs that went up in price and helped CSK finish strongly.Bhagat bowled the 16th and 20th overs and gave away 31 runs, raising eyebrows as Pandya himself still had overs left.
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IPL 2026 Akeal Hosein talking to media after 417 in CSK vs MIAshwin felt that the captain should have taken responsibility at that pressure moment.“I don’t have any personal relationship with Hardik Pandya, but I always feel that he is a box-office player. It’s easy to say things about Hardik Pandya now, but today when he gave Krish Bhagat the final over, I admit that Pandya went for 38 runs in two overs,” Ashwin said.He added: “Krish Bhagat doesn’t have that much experience, I like how he bowled, he didn’t do badly, but Pandya can handle the pressure. What’s the worst that will happen?”
Concerns about pressure and form
Ashwin also pointed out that Pandya may still be struggling with the pressure from Mumbai Indians’ top order after replacing Rohit Sharma.“What happened to Hardik Pandya after he came to MI after being traded was too much for an individual to handle. You replace a great like Rohit Sharma and his own fans boo you in his own stadium. There’s a lot you have to deal with emotionally. As a captain, you’re only as good as your team,” he said.Pandya’s form this season has been below par. However, coach Mahela Jayawardene backed him up, saying: “I don’t think so to be honest. It’s not a problem. He started well…we weren’t consistent overall.”Mumbai Indians now look forward to their next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
