Hardik Pandya found himself at the center of a storm of criticism and hostility as he faced his former team, Gujarat Titans (GT), leading Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on March 24. His debut as MI’s captain ended on a sour note as the team suffered a narrow six-run loss.
The reception from the Ahmedabad crowd, where he once led the Titans, was notably frosty. Despite his past success leading the Titans to consecutive IPL finals, Pandya couldn’t escape the ire of fans for his departure. Social media was flooded with videos showing Pandya being booed and subjected to derogatory remarks throughout the match.
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In one such video, fans were heard hurling disrespectful comments like ‘chapri, chapri’ as Pandya left the ground. On the field, MI’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive 3/14, restricted GT to 168 runs. Sai Sudharshan top-scored for GT with a gritty 45 off 39 balls.
Ahmedabad crowd calling Hardik Pandya ‘chhapri’ 😳 #ipl #HardikPandya #chapri #GTvMI pic.twitter.com/0QKEgHZrJY
— Lalit Kumar (@Lalit96L) March 25, 2024
Despite early setbacks caused by Azmatullah Omarzai’s two quick wickets, MI staged a comeback with Rohit Sharma (43) and Dewald Brevis (46) keeping them in the hunt.
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However, in the final over, MI needed 19 runs with only three wickets in hand. Pandya, under immense pressure, blasted a six and a four off the first two deliveries, reigniting hopes of a dramatic win. Yet, Umesh Yadav’s dismissal of Pandya and Piyush Chawla on consecutive deliveries dashed MI’s hopes, sealing GT’s victory.
The match marked a triumphant start for Shubman Gill as GT’s new captain, while Pandya faced the disappointment of defeat compounded by the relentless scrutiny from both fans and critics alike.
