Hardik Pandya wasn’t welcomed by Gujarat fans as the Baroda all-rounder stepped into the new role of skipper for the first time in the IPL for Mumbai Indians. Hardik Pandya took over captaincy from Rohit Sharma at the start of the IPL 2024. Pandya has been one of the biggest contenders to lead MI after Rohit Sharma but the fans weren’t expecting him to replace Rohit Sharma so early. Hardik Pandya last led Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title before losing to Chennai Super Kings last year in the finals. The all-rounder has had captained the side well but joining MI too remained unexpected.
As a result, he is facing flak from both ends – MI and GT fans. Lately, when he was out for a toss, the crowd at Narendra Modi Stadium started chanting “Rohit Rohit” to boo the all-rounder. Furthermore, the likes of Suresh Raina, and Kevin Pietersen were left surprised by the kind of heat faced by Hardik Pandya. Suresh Raina, while doing commentary during the MI v/s GT match, had credited Rohit Sharma for Hardik Pandya’s progression in cricket.
As the dust didn’t settle, Kevin Pietersen strongly reacted to the booing episode. Kevin Pietersen was heard questioning in the commentary, “Kevin Pietersen said, “when was the last time an Indian cricketer was booed in India? This is a rare happening”. Things aren’t well for Hardik Pandya and he will be expected to keep calm towards criticism and controversies.
