Another game at their home ground for the Mumbai Indians and another incident of Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya being booed by fans. This has been done on a regular basis ever since Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain of the side.
On the previous day, another such instance took place on the ground, and former RCB skipper Virat Kohli had to step in to request fans stop booing Hardik Pandya as he is an international player.
Even Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan was asked about this in the post-match conference, to which he replied that it was Hardik’s hard work both on and off the field, which will be cheered by fans once they understand.
In the post-match conference, Ishan Kishan said, “We are 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.”
Ishan Kishan further added, “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 complain to the fans. They will come up with their expectations; they will come up with their point of view. But at the same time, knowing how Hardik Pandya thinks, he is someone who loves challenges.”
Ishan Kishan also said that Hardik Pandya isn’t the person who will ask fans to stop hating or booing him, as they have their own expectations. However, Ishan Kishan hopes that fans will support Hardik Pandya sooner or later.
Ishan Kishan said, “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, people will also recognize your hard work. What you’re going through is still what you’re doing for the team. I think people do recognize 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 headspace and willing to perform well, that might change. If not today, then tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then the day after.”
Talking about the dressing room’s atmosphere, Ishan Kishan said that booing isn’t the topic of discussion there; instead, Hardik Pandya gets full support from the team members.
Ishan Kishan said, “We just don’t think about him getting booed. We are there to support him. The whole team is there, and 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 on the very first ball, knowing that things can go a different way. People can question you as well. But that is something that Hardik Pandya has in himself, so do it.”
