‘I think he’s an exceptional captain’ – Gerald Coetzee heaps praise on Hardik Pandya’s leadership style

Gerald Coetzee. ( Source – IPL/BCCI)

Five-time IPL (Indian Premier League) champions Mumbai Indians became the first side to be eliminated from the 17th edition of the tournament. The side has been under the new leadership of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, and it is safe to say that MI have struggled.

Currently, the side finds itself in ninth place in the IPL 2024 standings with four wins and eight losses in 12 matches. MI currently has eight points to their name, and they will be looking to forget their performances and improve for the upcoming games and the season.

Amid the side’s performance, the name of skipper Hardik Pandya has been heavily discussed. Many have come forward to scrutinise Pandya for his tactics, which have led MI to several losses. Amid the scrutiny, MI’s pacer, Gerald Coetzee, took centre stage and came to Pandya’s defence.

“He’s (Pandya) been a really good captain, I think as you get different captaincy styles, he’s got a unique style that is unique to him, and no captain is the same. He’s been really good. He’s been really motivational to the guys, he’s been unequivocal with the plans, and I think he’s an exceptional captain,” Coetzee was quoted as saying by News18.

The 23-year-old also discussed his experience in the IPL 2024, opining that it has been unlike anything he has ever seen before. “It’s been incredible. I think it’s lived up to the hype, It’s been incredibly challenging from a cricket point of view, which is exactly what I want from my career. I think I’ve learnt a lot. I’ve done good things. I’ve made mistakes. I’ll take that, and hopefully, in future IPLs, I can come back and learn and rectify,” Coetzee said.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table 

As for Mumbai Indians, they have a gruelling contest ahead of them as the five-time champions gear up to take on the table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders. Both sides will face off in the 60th game of the tournament at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, May 11.