All-rounder Hardik Pandya‘s captaincy debut for Mumbai Indians (MI) turned bitter as he confronted a barrage of boos from the native crowd on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Chilly shoulder from Gujarat followers
Regardless of enjoying for Gujarat Titans (GT) within the earlier two IPL seasons, Pandya – a local of Gujarat – obtained a frosty reception from the Ahmedabad crowd. As he walked out for the toss, a refrain of jeers erupted from the stands, with chants of “Rohit! Rohit!” echoing in assist of former MI captain Rohit Sharma. The boos continued even after Pandya received the toss and tried to talk to the official broadcaster.
Kevin Pietersen expresses shock at followers behaviour
Commentator Kevin Pietersen couldn’t conceal his shock on the hostile reception. “I’ve by no means seen any Indian participant getting booed like they’re booing Hardik Pandya right here in Ahmedabad. It is a uncommon taking place,” he remarked on air. Pietersen additionally questioned Pandya’s determination to bowl the primary over himself, suggesting Jasprit Bumrah may need been a better option.
MI’s shut name ends in defeat
The match itself was a thriller. MI had been in a powerful place through the chase, because of contributions from Rohit (43) and younger expertise Dewald Brevis (46). Nevertheless, a dramatic collapse within the loss of life overs noticed them fall brief by six runs, handing victory to the Titans. Earlier, the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat aspect posted a aggressive complete of 168/6, with Sai Sudharsan top-scoring with 45 runs. For MI, Bumrah picked up three wickets and conceded simply 14 run in his quota of 4 overs.
Additionally READ: Hardik Pandya faces backlash from followers after Mumbai Indians’ defeat in opposition to Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024
Unsure begin for Pandya’s captaincy
This surprising reception from the followers has forged a shadow over the start of Pandya’s captaincy stint. It stays to be seen how he handles the strain and leads MI ahead within the upcoming matches.
