New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) Former Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth expressed harsh criticism of the Mumbai Indians bowling lineup after their recent loss to the Punjab Kings, questioning both player selections and the overall strategy of including both Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur in the playing XI.

During the match at Wankhede Stadium, MI scored 195 runs in their 20 overs on a pitch that favored batsmen, yet this total was insufficient as PBKS chased it down effortlessly in just 16.2 overs, revealing significant weaknesses in MI’s bowling.

Srikkanth criticized the decision to field Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur, highlighting their costly performances.

“I can't comprehend how MI continues to select Deepak Chahar. Why was he retained? In his first over, he conceded 21 runs. In the last match, it was 22 runs. Across 2.3 overs, he leaked 45 runs. Our friend, Shardul Thakur, allowed 42 runs in 3 overs. Together, they bowled 5.3 overs and conceded 87 runs,” Srikkanth remarked on his YouTube channel.

The former chairman of selectors further questioned how a team could succeed with such poor bowling performance.

“How can you expect to win a match when two of your key bowlers have given away 87 runs in just 5.3 overs? How can you play both in the XI? I raised this question during the pre-match analysis. Are you suggesting they lack better bowling alternatives? Send them home. Compensate them and kindly ask them not to return this season. Let them know they will be called if needed. Yes, that’s possible. It's not unreasonable,” he asserted.

The innings for Punjab was propelled by an explosive start from Prabhsimran Singh, who scored 80 off 39 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer stabilized the innings with a composed 66 off just 35 deliveries.

Srikkanth also voiced concerns about the management of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who has struggled to make a significant impact this season following an intense international schedule.

"Five matches without a wicket. He has been hit hard, too. He requires both a mental and physical break. He gave his all during the T20 World Cup and was in contention for the Player of the Tournament award. Now, they are overloading him," Srikkanth commented.

Bumrah allowed 41 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket in the match, worsening MI’s woes as the bowling unit failed to exert any consistent pressure.

“I still can't believe I rated this bowling attack 9.5 at the beginning of the season. Even if they scored 500 runs, the opponents would have chased it. That’s how ineffective their bowling attack is,” he added.

As results continue to elude them, MI faces intensified scrutiny regarding team composition and workload management as the season unfolds.