Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra reckons Hardik Pandya is not a hit yet at Mumbai Indians but his absence is hurting Gujarat Titans. Pandya led the Gujarat Titans successfully for two seasons in the IPL.

The all-rounder led the Titans to glory in IPL 2022 and also took the franchise to the final of the tournament in the previous season. Pandya not only delivered as a leader for Gujarat Titans but also got the job done as a batter as well as a bowler. However, Pandya hasn’t been able to lead the Mumbai Indians from the front in the ongoing season.

Pandya has managed only 131 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 145.6. Furthermore, Pandya has been expensive with the ball, conceding his runs at an economy rate of 12.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans have managed three wins in seven matches under the leadership of Shubman Gill. The Titans were bundled out for a paltry score of 89 runs against Delhi Capitals while playing at their home venue of Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

Aakash Chopra wrote his X account, “Hardik Pandya’s presence might not have benefited Mumbai Indians yetâ€æbut his absence is definitely hurting Gujarat Titans this season!!!”

Pandya moved back to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade deal. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya has received a lot of flak from the fans in the ongoing season. Pandya was first booed by the Ahmedabad crowd in the clash against Gujarat Titans, whom he led successfully for two seasons before returning to Mumbai Indians.

The all-rounder received a similar treatment from the hostile Mumbai crowd while playing at home. MI also lost their previous match against defending champions Chennai Super Kings by 20 runs. Pandya was taken for three sixes by former CSK captain MS Dhoni and it turned out to be the turning point in the game.

MI will face Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Thursday.