Hardik Pandya at the receiving end as Mumbai Indians crash out of playoffs

The Mumbai Indians' dream of clinching a sixth IPL title has been dashed as they became the first team officially eliminated from playoff contention following the Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, beyond the disappointment of their early exit, reports suggest that internal discord may be brewing within the Mumbai Indians camp.

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Senior members of the team, including Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav, are said to have expressed concerns regarding Hardik Pandya's captaincy style, which they believe has contributed to the team's faltering morale throughout the IPL season. Following a recent loss, the players held meetings to address what they perceive as underlying issues, with individual discussions aimed at pinpointing the problem.

Pandya's remarks after a defeat against the Delhi Capitals further exacerbated tensions within the team. His criticism of young talent Tilak Varma's performance, despite Varma's notable innings and status as the team's top scorer for the season, reportedly did not sit well with the squad.

As Mumbai Indians languish in ninth place on the points table, management faces the task of addressing internal rifts and ironing out any potential wrinkles before the next season. With hopes of playoff qualification dashed, resolving these internal conflicts will be crucial to maximizing the team's chances of reclaiming IPL glory in the future.