Newly appointed Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya’s equation with the fans is worsening by the day. From the on-field issues to off-field issues, the MI all-rounder is being targeted for every move of his and Mumbai Indians’ sub-par performance in IPL 2024 is adding to his woes with T20 WC selection at stake.
Mumbai Indians’ shock move to replace fan favourite Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as the captain ahead of the IPL 2024 was faced with major backlash. Pandya has constantly been a victim of boos and jeering since then. Now the issues have escalated from field to his personal life,
Pandya, who was seen at the Mumbai Aiport after the CSK loss met with a lot of criticism and jeering for his choice of outfit. The MI batter was seen in a very casual, breezy avatar in grey sweat pants and a black tank prompting the fans to call him all sorts of things.
Hardik Pandya booed during MI vs CSK
During Sunday’s match at the Wankhede Stadium, as Mumbai Indians clashed with arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings, Hardik Pandya faced a barrage of boos from the home crowd. The negativity intensified after he was thrashed for three consecutive sixes by MS Dhoni in the final over. Pandya’s performance with bat and ball in IPL 2024 has been lacklustre, likely influenced by the relentless criticism he’s endured.
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Pandya’s T20 WC selection at stakes
With the T20 World Cup selection looming, Pandya’s resurgence will be closely watched. India’s provisional squad announcement is anticipated in early May. To reclaim his spot in the national team, the all-rounder must improve his bowling consistency and deliver impactful performances with the bat.
Currently, Pandya’s Mumbai Indians languish in the eighth position on the IPL 2024 points table. Their next challenge awaits against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Chandigarh on April 18 (Thursday). It remains to be seen if Pandya can rise to the occasion and revive his form amid mounting pressure and scrutiny.
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