In IPL 2024, Hardik Pandya is facing considerable challenges as the captain of the Mumbai Indians, with the team enduring defeats in their first two matches. Their upcoming encounter against the Rajasthan Royals has become critical, essentially a must-win game for them.
Pandya’s leadership decisions, particularly regarding bowling rotations, have come under scrutiny following Mumbai Indians’ consecutive losses. The team fell short by six runs in their opening match against the Gujarat Titans and suffered a 21-run defeat against the Sunrisers Hyderabad while chasing a formidable target of 278 runs.
Trent Boult Gave An Important Advice To Hardik Pandya Amid Backlash From Rohit Sharma’s Fans
His appointment as captain, succeeding the highly successful Rohit Sharma, who secured five IPL titles during his tenure, was accompanied by significant attention. However, the decision to move from Mumbai Indians to the Gujarat Titans in a record deal before the season began raised eyebrows within the Indian cricketing community.
Pandya faced criticism for his performance as captain, especially regarding his decision-making on the field. In Mumbai’s first match against the Gujarat Titans, he opted to open the bowling himself but conceded 30 runs from his three overs. Additionally, his handling of star bowler Jasprit Bumrah raised questions.
Following Mumbai’s initial setbacks, discussions about Pandya’s demeanor in post-match interactions emerged, with concerns about a perceived carefree attitude. His absence from the national team and lack of recent international cricket experience heightened the pressure on him.
Amid speculation about his potential leadership role in the upcoming T20 World Cup, the confirmation that Rohit Sharma would lead the team added to the scrutiny surrounding Pandya’s captaincy stint.
Hardik Pandya’s absence from international cricket ahead of the IPL, coupled with his appointment as Mumbai Indians’ captain at the expense of Rohit Sharma stepping down, has sparked frustration among Indian cricket fans and the broader cricketing community.
Meanwhile, Trent Boult, Hardik’s former teammate at Mumbai Indians, expressed his support for the Indian all-rounder. Boult stated that the fans’ reaction to booing the MI skipper is beyond Hardik’s control.
“It is something you cannot control, as professional sportspeople it is what you are exposed to in a way. You have to block out the white noise and focus on the job, it is easier said than done,” Boult told the media here at the Wankhede Stadium.
Boult also expressed that Hardik Pandya is one of his favorite cricketers. He believes that the fans’ booing will diminish over time, especially as Mumbai Indians start winning games in IPL 2024. He said:
“There are a lot of passionate fans in this country and speaking of Hardik specifically, he is one of my favourite Indian cricketers and I do not think the booing will hold out for too long. I am sure, he is one of those guys who can put it aside and focus on the job,”
