Hardik Pandya’s captaincy stint with Mumbai Indians (MI) continues to be a contentious issue amongst fans. Despite MI’s recent resurgence, a section of the Wankhede Stadium crowd voiced their disapproval once again, booing Pandya before the toss against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday, April 14th.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between a portion of the MI fanbase and their new skipper. Pandya’s appointment as captain, replacing the iconic Rohit Sharma, has been a source of discontent for some fans who have expressed their displeasure throughout the season, regardless of the venue. While many anticipated a softening of these sentiments following MI’s recent impressive performances, it appears the controversy continues to simmer.
WATCH – Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt’s Partnership Brilliance Amidst Mix-Up Drama
Undeterred by the boos, Pandya won the toss and elected to bowl first. This decision reflects his belief that dew might play a role later in the evening, influencing batting conditions. He also acknowledged that the wicket appears to be in better shape compared to the previous match, potentially leading to a high-scoring encounter.
🚨 Toss News 🚨@mipaltan have elected to bowl against @ChennaiIPL at Wankhede Stadium.
Follow the Match ▶️ https://t.co/2wfiVhdNSY#TATAIPL | #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/Yk7Yuy00do
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 14, 2024
Addressing the media after the toss, Hardik Pandya emphasized the importance of sticking to the basics and highlighted the need for a win to maintain momentum. He expressed satisfaction with MI’s recent victories, stating, “Winning is very important to get the momentum. We were able to win two games convincingly.”
WATCH – Netizens Erupt As Shamar Joseph Makes IPL Debut With A 10-ball Over
Pandya also acknowledged the importance of collective team effort, saying, “That’s the beauty about IPL, everyone has to contribute. Your team will be able to achieve goals eventually.” He further commented on the potential impact of dew, stating, “The dew started coming post 10 overs (in the last game.) It gets heavier in the evening.” Notably, MI opted to field an unchanged team for this crucial clash.
With two consecutive convincing wins under their belt, Hardik Pandya’s MI will be aiming to extend their winning streak and solidify their position in the IPL 2024 standings. However, the lingering discontent amongst some fans continues to cast a shadow over their recent success.
