The criticism directed towards Hardik Pandya has intensified following his appointment as the new Mumbai Indians skipper for IPL 2024, replacing the iconic Rohit Sharma. This transition sparked discontent among fans, evident during Mumbai Indians’ clashes against Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
During the encounter against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Mumbai Indians faced a six-run defeat, with Hardik being booed by disappointed fans. The situation worsened in their subsequent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, where Mumbai Indians suffered their second consecutive loss in IPL 2024, this time by 31 runs.
A viral video circulating on social media captured the frustration of fans, manifesting in the form of bottles, shoes, and other objects being hurled at a giant screen as Hardik appeared for an interview.
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In the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians opted to bowl first, only to witness an onslaught from Travis Head, who bludgeoned 62 runs off just 24 balls. Despite the efforts of Mayank Agarwal and Abhishek Sharma, who contributed 63 runs off 23 balls, Sunrisers set a formidable total of 277/3.
arre bhai.. zyada ho raha hai ab😂pic.twitter.com/c9OmmUmkL5
— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) March 27, 2024
Chasing the mammoth target, Mumbai Indians displayed glimpses of aggression, with Ishan Kishan providing a quick start with 34 off 13 balls. However, it was Tilak Varma’s resilient 64 off 34 balls that kept Mumbai’s hopes alive. Despite valiant efforts from Rohit Sharma and Naman Dhir, Hyderabad emerged victorious with a comfortable 31-run margin.
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The defeat compounded the pressure on Hardik Pandya and Mumbai Indians, prompting widespread scrutiny and further fueling the debate surrounding his captaincy tenure. As the IPL 2024 unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on Hardik and his ability to steer Mumbai Indians through turbulent waters.
