During the intense match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Rajasthan Royals, a significant incident happened involving MI captain Hardik Pandya.
As the two captains, including Pandya, were introduced by the broadcaster with cheers resounding through the stadium, a noticeable atmosphere emerged when some fans began booing Pandya during the toss at Wankhede Stadium.
Sensing the booing, broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar stepped in, urging the crowd to maintain decency with a firm advice “Behave” he declared over the microphone.
Hardik Pandya’s reaction to the booing was remarkable. Despite facing criticism, he maintained a positive attitude and expressed gratitude towards the crowd. His statement, “It’s nice to get love from the crowd,” reflects his strong determination and ability to handle pressure with grace.
However, the response from fans was mixed. While some supported Pandya and appreciated his sportsmanship, others expressed disappointment and unhappiness. The incident not only impacted Pandya but also influenced the overall atmosphere of the match.
The reason behind the booing primarily came from Pandya’s recent switch from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians, which mixed emotions among fans, particularly those who supported Gujarat Titans. This led to criticism and bitterness towards Pandya.
Additionally, Rohit loyal fans have been booing Pandya as they believe Rohit should remain the captain, considering it disrespectful to him, despite Rohit’s significant contributions to both the Indian national team and Mumbai Indians, where he has won five IPL titles.
Furthermore, MI lost the match against RR by 6 wickets, marking their third consecutive IPL defeat. These losses have heightened fans’ frustrations and increased the doubts on Pandya’s leadership.
The incident during the toss, coupled with MI’s struggles on the field, exemplified the hurdles Pandya faced as the team’s captain. Nevertheless, in the middle of turmoil, Pandya remained composed and fulfilled his responsibilities before heading back to the dressing room.