Ishan Kishan has supported Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya to win over the fans after having faced criticisms during their win over RCB on April 11. Hardik has been at the centre of the heat from the fans after he replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain of MI before the start of the IPL 2024 as well. The all-rounder was booed in Ahmedabad also and during the loss against RR at the Wankhede as well. Even during the win against RCB, Hardik faced the boos and this forced Virat Kohli to step in and ask the crowd to stop as well.
Speaking at the press conference after the match, Kishan said, “Talking about Hardik Pandya. He loves challenges. He has been in this situation before. He is in that situation right now. He is not someone who will come out and talk about this and that. I know he is someone who works really hard off the field. On the field, he is on a very different level.”
“I know he must be enjoying it. I have spent a lot of time with him. He must be enjoying it. He is ready for the challenges, because you can’t complaint to the fans. They will come up with their expectations, they will come up with their point of view. But at the same time, me knowing how Hardik Pandya thinks, he is someone who loves challenges,” again said Ishan Kishan.
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However, Ishan Kishan added that people will start loving Hardik Pandya once again as they would see the work he has been putting in and also stated that the entire Mumbai Indians franchise is behind their captain as well.
“He is happy with people doing it, in the coming games, he will do it with the bat and people will start loving him again. Because you’re doing well and people will also recognise your hard work. What you’re going through and still what you’re doing for the team. I think people do recognise that and our fans are like that. They can be a little harsh on you but at the same time, when you show that it isn’t bothering you, and you’re in a good head space and willing to perform well, that might change. If not today, then tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then day after,” he added.
“We just don’t think about him getting booed. We are there to support him. Whole team is there, the franchise is there. I just feel happy for him that he is keen on performing even in this situation. He is going out there in the middle and hitting a six of the very first ball, knowing that things can do in a different way. People can question you as well. But that is something that Hardik Pandya has in himself and do it,” Ishan Kishan concluded.
