This season, Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as MI captain after the latter’s comeback from Gujarat Titans, although the whole drama surrounding the leadership transition has not gone down well with the supporters.
Hardik Pandya’s (Mumbai Indians) comeback to the team hasn’t gone as expected, as the team has lost as many games in the 2024 Indian Premier League. The supporters launched a fierce protest against Hardik after he decided to join MI from Gujarat Titans, finally unseating veteran Rohit Sharma as captain. Through the first few games, Hardik has been the focus of relentless fan harassment. Upon his arrival back in Ahmedabad for MI’s inaugural match against the GT, he was jeered by the supporters.
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) games saw the same pattern. A number of former cricket players have shown their support for the all-rounder throughout difficult times, both on and off the field.
The most recent person to back Hardik is former Australia captain Michael Clarke. Playing in the IPL for only one season in 2012, Clarke shared his conversation with Hardik and provided insight into the latter’s character.
Hardik is a confident guy, according to Clarke, who also hinted that if MI can start producing positive outcomes, he will be able to win over supporters.
“It doesn’t help if your squad isn’t performing. I chatted with Hardik Pandya when I arrived here, and he appears to be doing well. He’s a really confident individual. He will not let this bother him, but he does need to get this team to win games of cricket. Mumbai is a great squad, and there are always huge expectations. “The fans want them at the top of the tree, but they’re currently at the bottom,” Clarke remarked on ESPN’s Around the Wicket.
Stuart Broad, an England pacer, also discussed Mumbai Indians’ downturn. He stated that the only way Mumbai Indians can halt what is happening inside the stadia – supporters’ constant jeering of skipper Hardik Pandya – is to win matches.
“To be honest, as a player, it makes no difference to you. It’s an integral aspect of international and top-tier sports,” Broad stated.
“You don’t necessarily have that kind of setting and nasty vibe on your home turf. However, as a proven performer, I don’t believe the environment will have an effect on you.
You must still go out and demonstrate your abilities. “Ultimately, the Mumbai Indians is a successful franchise. It has a winning mentality, yet they don’t win. That is the most challenging situation they are now dealing with. “All they have to do is get back on their winning ways,” he remarked.
