The most memorable IPL match for me in the past fortnight was the one between the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals. Few matches offer as many insights.

Let us begin with Karun Nair, who delivered an outstanding performance, even though his team did not secure a victory. I seldom experience strong emotions regarding cricket, but after the match, a tweet from Karun Nair dating back three years came to light; it read, "Dear cricket, give me another chance."

And cricket indeed granted him that opportunity.

This innings not only revitalized his potential IPL career but also brought Karun Nair into the limelight, highlighting his impressive domestic performances that had gone unnoticed for the past two years. Ideally, selectors should be attentive to domestic performances when they are not in the public eye.

However, the reality is that IPL performances carry significant visibility, leading to widespread discussions about Karun Nair—not only regarding his current prowess as a T20 batsman but also about his rightful place in the Indian Test team, given his 863 runs at an average of 53.93 in the previous Ranji season.

It is important to note that T20 and Test formats are vastly different, and the manner in which he batted in this match does not necessarily predict his performance in England.

If he is selected, it will affirm an unspoken truth: external pressures do affect the selection and non-selection of players. This is a key reason why our cricketing icons often receive extended opportunities even beyond their prime. The IPL serves as a powerful marketing platform, now making a compelling case for Karun Nair's reconsideration for the longer format.

Another significant takeaway for me was the visibly emotional Hardik Pandya, who has faced considerable challenges as the captain of the Mumbai Indians. Following this closely contested match, he was observed in the dugout, appearing happy and relieved, as if a tremendous burden had been lifted from him.

This season marked only the second victory for MI, achieved against a formidable and well-performing Delhi team.

Post-match media coverage hinted that Rohit Sharma had made a significant strategic decision from the sidelines, which ultimately turned out to be a pivotal moment in the game.

This tendency to elevate senior, iconic players often overshadows the contributions of other deserving athletes, such as Hardik, who is the captain in this case.

While suggestions are plentiful and can be offered freely after every match, it is crucial to recognize the individual in charge, who bears the responsibility for implementing or disregarding those recommendations.

When a suggestion fails, it is not the advisor who faces criticism, but rather the captain who must navigate the consequences of critical tactical choices. It is worth noting that Hardik Pandya has not received the level of support and encouragement he rightfully deserves. After all, he led GT to an IPL victory in 2022 and to the finals the following year.

Lastly, there is the ongoing discussion surrounding Dhoni in this IPL season.

I never anticipated that Dhoni would face criticism on social media, yet he has not been exempt from it. However, during that match at Kotla, I was reminded of Dhoni at his peak when Ashutosh Sharma was run out at a crucial moment, leading to DC's defeat.

Ashutosh attempted to take a second run that seemed nearly impossible.

In that scenario, Dhoni would have sprinted for the first run but would have decisively halted at the crease upon realizing that a second run was unattainable, leaving a tail-ender to face the next delivery.

His primary focus would have been to avoid getting out as the established batter, ensuring that he could take the game to the final moments if necessary, fully aware that in the last 12 balls, the bowler would be under greater pressure than he was.

Dhoni understood that this anxious bowler would likely deliver at least two poor balls per over.

That is where he would capitalize on the opportunity. While many power-hitters like m MS Dhoni exist today, no one matches his composure during run chases.

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