R Ashwin unleashed a scathing critique of Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya’s tactics during their loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, spotlighting the decision to bowl Mayank Markande against Rajat Patidar—a proven destroyer of spin.
In his YouTube breakdown, Ashwin dissected Patidar’s carnage, noting three consecutive sixes in the 11th over mirroring a prior 2024 SRH game where he smashed Markande for four sixes. Markande leaked 40 runs in two overs at 20 economy, fueling RCB’s chase.
Tactical Mismatch Exposed
Ashwin called it “not the smartest move,” arguing Pandya handed Patidar his strength on a spin-friendly Wankhede pitch despite data showing the RCB skipper’s spin dominance. MI’s batting collapse compounded the fielding lapses in a lopsided defeat.
Pandya’s winless streak intensifies scrutiny on his leadership amid MI’s mid-table struggle, with Ashwin’s analysis amplifying calls for tactical rethink.
