Ambati Rayudu has offered a candid assessment of Hardik Pandya's captaincy tenure at Mumbai Indians, suggesting that the all-rounder experienced significant pressure during his leadership period. Pandya took charge before the 2024 season, replacing Rohit Sharma, but the franchise finished last that year and managed to qualify for the playoffs only once across his three-year reign. This year, the five-time champions finished second from the bottom.

Rayudu, who played for Mumbai Indians, expressed his perspective on the psychological toll of Pandya's captaincy role at the club. He highlighted how the pressures of leading the side may have affected the all-rounder's decision-making and overall approach within the dressing room.

"In Mumbai, I just thought that Hardik felt as if he was cornered. And once you feel you're cornered, you're always looking over your shoulder. Once that happens in a dressing room, you tend to come out in ways that you wouldn't want to. A lot of things didn't go well for Hardik. It might be Hardik's fault as well as something else," Rayudu said while speaking on Cricbuzz.

Where could Pandya thrive without captaincy?

Rayudu went on to offer specific recommendations for Pandya's future in the IPL, addressing both scenarios of staying at Mumbai Indians or moving to another franchise. He suggested that if Pandya remained with the club, stepping away from the captaincy would allow him to focus on his role as a match-winner. Should the all-rounder opt for a move elsewhere, Rayudu recommended a break from leadership responsibilities.

"From now on, if he wants to stay at MI, I don't think he should be the captain. He should just play his game, enjoy his time, and be a match-winner for MI. But if he goes out, definitely not a captain again, at least for one season," Rayudu said.

Rayudu identified Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings as potential destinations where Pandya could contribute effectively without captaincy duties. He noted that both franchises could provide a suitable environment for the all-rounder to perform. However, Rayudu cautioned against Pandya taking on the captaincy at Kolkata Knight Riders, citing the complexity of managing that particular squad.

"I think either Punjab or CSK, because these are the two teams he could go to, but he shouldn't be captain. He'll find a very good space there in terms of his cricket. But with KKR, there's so much on the plate that he needs to assess and take things forward because they need a captain. It's not an easy team to captain right now," Rayudu said.