BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla spoke on the difficult phase Hardik Pandya endured after taking over the Mumbai Indians’ (MI) captaincy from Rohit Sharma ahead of the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
It all started in late 2023 when Pandya was traded from Gujarat Titans (GT) to Mumbai Indians. The franchise later announced him as their new skipper, sacking Rohit Sharma. That sudden transition did not sit well with the fans
He was constantly booed throughout the season even at the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai Indians endured their worst campaign in years, finishing at the bottom of the points table.
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Hardik Pandya Handled Fan Backlash with Maturity, Rohit Sharma Never Provoked Anyone: Rajeev Shukla
Shukla said that Hardik Pandya was fully aware of the fan backlash he would face but he handled the situation with maturity. He further revealed that the cricket board itself had reached out to the all-rounder during that rough patch to ensure he stayed mentally strong.
According to Shukla, a large section of fans were left upset over Rohit Sharma’s removal but the senior opener himself never provoked.
"When such incidents happen, people within the BCCI do reach out to players not to worry. In Hardik's case, Rohit Sharma's fan base did not like it. But the matter is done. Neither did Rohit Sharma provoke anybody, and Hardik always knew this could happen and was mature," Shukla said as quoted on a podcast on the official YouTube handle of the UPT20 League.
He further praised Pandya’s temperament for not letting emotions get the better of him.
"He did not let it affect him. He did not get emotionally carried away. Then, when you start performing, fans start applauding by themselves again," he added.
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How Hardik Pandya Won the Mumbai Indians Fans Back?
Pandya’s fortunes changed in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa in Barbados. He bowled the last over and dismissed David Miller to seal the title for India.
After the win, Pandya was seen in tears. When the team returned to Mumbai, he walked out of the airport with the trophy. The fans welcomed him with loud cheers.
By IPL 2025, the atmosphere was completely different. Supporters were back on his side and he took MI to the playoffs.
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