Kris Srikkanth praises Jasprit Bumrah's captaincy in Hardik Pandya's absence

Jasprit Bumrah (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

NEW DELHI: Former India captain, 1983 World Cup winner and former selector Kris Srikkanth believes Mumbai Indians have rediscovered the high energy and dominance they are known for, even in the absence of captain Hardik Pandya. Pandya has missed Mumbai Indians’ last three matches. Sidelined with a back spasm, Pandya first missed Mumbai Indians’ home clash against Lucknow Super Giants on May 4. He then sat out the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur despite travelling with the squad. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav led the side. Pandya also did not travel to Dharamsala for Mumbai Indians’ six-wicket win over Punjab Kings, where Jasprit Bumrah became MI’s third captain this season after Suryakumar missed the game following the birth of his child. Bumrah’s maiden outing as Mumbai Indians skipper turned into a memorable one as he guided the team to a six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings. Under Bumrah’s leadership, Shardul Thakur picked up four wickets, while Deepak Chahar claimed two as Punjab Kings posted 200/8. Mumbai Indians then chased down the target in 19.5 overs, powered by Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 75 off just 33 balls. Srikkanth felt there was a fresh energy within the side. "It is a good call. I think Bumrah coming in as captain is a fantastic move," said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel. Srikkanth also felt there was a noticeable shift in the team environment in Hardik’s absence. "Definitely, definitely there is some issue. Definitely, the team's mood was more lighter. The team suddenly looks more united overall." "Surya too didn't play in that match. He was not playing the match for personal reasons, he did not play the match. But whatever it is, the young side suddenly like you are saying. They come and Deepak Chahar is bowling well. That Raj Angad Bawa fellow is bowling decently. Everyone is performing. Tilak Varma performed brilliantly. Ryan Rickelton smashed and dominated with aggressive shots early on." "Overall, like you said, the will to win, they will to succeed. Even though they were down in the dumps, they showed the will to succeed. That is the key in cricket. That energy was there," said Srikkanth. Srikkanth added that Bumrah looked relaxed on the field and backed the bowlers with confidence. "And if you look at the bowling too, even Bumrah was smiling continuously. He was giving lots of confidence to the bowlers. And I thought Bumrah’s captaincy made a huge difference to people like Deepak Chahar. And of course Shardul Thakur, because otherwise, they bowl loose deliveries and leak runs. Today, everyone took wickets," said Srikkanth. Mumbai Indians will next face Kolkata Knight Riders on May 20, with Pandya expected to return and lead the side again.