Australian skipper Steven Smith has urged Hardik Pandya to simply block out the Boos and critiquing from the fans. Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain of the Mumbai Indians before the start of the IPL.
On top of that, Mumbai are still waiting for their first victory under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya, which has further led fans to criticize and boo the Indian all-rounder.
Speaking of the same Steve Smith, who was once on the minds of fans after the infamous Sandpaper scandal, has some advice for the Mumbai Indians skipper.
Steve Smith said, “I’d try and just say, to block it out, it’s all irrelevant. No one outside knows what you are going through. No one (from outside) is in that change room.”
Steve Smith, who was once referred to as “Cheat By fans in England, feels that this reaction from the Indian crowd would be shocking for Hardik Pandya.
Smith said, “Personally, for me, it doesn’t bother me. I don’t care. I don’t pay any attention.”
Smith further added, “You know it’s all white noise, but certainly players do hear things, and everyone’s entitled to their own emotions and how they respond to those.
“So is it affecting him (Hardik)? Maybe. It’s possible. He probably hasn’t experienced that before, in any walk of life.
So it’s natural, I suppose, and particularly being in India and a star Indian player, to be in that position where some fans are booing you; it’s certainly something he wouldn’t have experienced.”
Hardik had been very successful as the skipper of the Gujarat Titans, helping them win the IPL in their inaugural season and reaching the final in their second attempt. He was brought by the Mumbai Indians in an all-cash deal and was traded to the Gujrat Titans. Mumbai Indians further appointed Hardik Pandaya as their new skipper, which was not liked by fans.
Speaking of the same,
Smith said, “Hardik is in the middle of a challenging time, losing the first two games of their IPL season. It’s a big one for him.”
Smith further added, “He’s filling big shoes with Rohit Sharma, who’s been the most successful captain (with Dhoni) in IPL history, lifting five titles, and it hasn’t started well for him.”
Mumbai Indians are scheduled to face Rajasthan Royals in their next encounter in Mumbai on April 1. Smith feels that it will be interesting to see how fans turn towards Hardik at their home venue.
Smith said, “So he’s under a little bit of pressure at the moment, and it’ll be interesting to see what the reception’s like in their first home game at Wankhede in a couple of days’ time.
“We have heard a few boos going around at the grounds, which… that’s been disappointing from my perspective. But I’m intrigued to see what the reception’s like in Mumbai. We know how big a star Rohit is and how much he is loved inside that stadium.”
