A single decision can change everything in a T20 match and this time, it became the biggest talking point. During the clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026, a tactical call by Hardik Pandya drew sharp criticism from Ravichandran Ashwin. The former Indian star called Hardik Pandya’s captaincy very, very average and added that his head started spinning when Hardik introduced Mayank Markande in bowling after Rajat Patidar came to bat.
RCB skipper is well known for attacking spin, yet Hardik Pandya chose to reintroduce their leg-spinner in the 12th over, even after he had already conceded 20 runs in his first over.
The result was immediate and brutal. After taking strike from Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar smashed three consecutive sixes off Mayank Markande, including an audacious reverse switch hit over point. Once again, Mayank Markande leaked 20 runs in the over, helping RCB race to 144/1 after 12 overs.
R Ashwin pointed out that this wasn’t the first time Rajat Patidar had dominated Mayank Markande. He recalled a match in the IPL 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Rajat Patidar had hit four consecutive sixes off the same bowler. According to Ashwin, sending Mayank Markande back into the attack in such a situation only played into RCB’s hands and showed poor tactical awareness.
He explained that Rajat Patidar is especially dangerous against spin and that bowlers in such situations are already under pressure. Bringing Mayank Markande back at that moment made things worse and allowed RCB to gain a strong advantage, possibly the difference between a total of 210 and 240.
Rajat Patidar continued with his wonderful form, scoring back-to-back fifties with five sixes at a stunning strike rate of 265. On the other hand, Mayank Markande had a forgettable outing, ending up with one of the most expensive spells in the IPL history and still searching for his first wicket this season.
R Ashwin also noted that despite having a strong squad, MI have not been performing consistently in recent years, except for a decent run in the IPL 2025.
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