Hardik Pandya has a different captaincy style: Gerald Coetzee praises MI skipper's leadership skills

MI and South Africa fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has come out in support of his captain Hardik Pandya amid testing times in Indian Premier League 2024. Notably, Pandya was appointed as the new skipper of MI ahead of the season after the five-time champions acquired him through a player trade from GT.

However, the move didn't go down well with MI fans who felt that former skipper Rohit Sharma, who led Mumbai to all of their five IPL triumphs, wasn't treated well by the franchise. The pressure of captaincy was evident on Pandya's face every time he walked out on the field as he was welcomed with loud boos from the crowd. The 30-year-old failed to live up to the expectations as MI became the first team to get knocked out of IPL 2024.

Speaking on Pandya's leadership, Coetzee revealed that the Gujarat-born cricketer has a different captaincy style and has been motivational in the dressing room.

 "I think he's been a really good captain. I think as you get different captaincy styles, he's got a new style which is unique to him. No captain is the same, he's been really good. He's been really motivational to the guys. He's been really clear with the plans. I think he's an exceptional captain," said Gerald Coetzee in the pre-match press conference.

Coetzee extols Bumrah

Further speaking ahead, Coetzee also sang praises of star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and stated what sets him apart from the other bowlers in the competition.

" I think basically, it comes down to simplicity and accuracy and I think he's done that better than any other bowler in this competition and that's as simple as that," he added.

Notably, Bumrah is the second highest wicket taker of the ongoing season having 18 wickets to his name from 12 innings at an average of 16.50 and an economy of 6.20. The speedster has been a class apart in the ongoing edition where bowlers have been taken to the cleaners.

Meanwhile, MI find themselves on the second last (ninth) spot on the points table with four wins from 12 matches having eight points to their name. The five-time champions have failed to play as per their reputation in the ongoing season and will look to end the season on a high by winning their remaining two fixtures against KKR and LSG.