Naman Dhir Explains Mi Vs Kkr After Three Captains Season
Before mi vs kkr, Naman Dhir said Mumbai Indians had stayed like a “one family” despite a season that featured injuries, inconsistency and three different captains. The five-time champions were already out of playoff contention after four wins from 12 matches, but the batter said the group still spoke positively and kept working together.
Naman Dhir on Mumbai Indians
Dhir called the dressing room “never disturbing” when asked about the leadership churn. “Not at all disturbing. Like people from outside say the atmosphere has always been like we're one family. Whoever comes in as captain has different tactics and ideas, but it was never disturbing. I enjoyed playing under all of them.”
He also said the team kept its tone inside the room the same through the defeats. “We have always had positive conversations in the team, never negative chats. We could not put together a collective effort consistently and that's where we lacked.”
Hardik Pandya and the changes
Hardik Pandya missed the last three matches because of a back spasm, and Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah both led Mumbai Indians in his absence. That left MI with three captains this season, a detail that sat alongside a long run of absences across the squad.
Hardik last played on May 2 against Chennai Super Kings before sitting out matches against Lucknow Super Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. Suryakumar missed the Dharamsala game after the birth of his child, while Rohit Sharma featured in only seven of MI's 12 matches because of a hamstring injury.
Quinton de Kock and the injury toll
Dhir pointed to the injury list when explaining why Mumbai Indians never found a steady rhythm. “Rohit had a hamstring issue. Surya had to leave for paternity reasons. We missed them in crucial matches. Now Quinny (Quinton de Kock) is also ruled out. These are some of the reasons why we could not perform as per the expectations associated with Mumbai Indians. Injuries were definitely a big concern for us,” he said.
Quinton de Kock was ruled out for the rest of the season with a tendon injury in his left wrist, sustained ahead of the home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Dhir also said the squad stayed connected through the changes: “Everybody practised and joined the team.”
MI Vs Kkr and what follows
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's clash with Kolkata Knight Riders, Dhir said the group felt the weight of the season but still had a target in the final games. “We are really sad that we could not give the trophy to our fans. We play for them and whenever our team steps onto the ground, the aim is always to win. We will give our best in the remaining matches.”
