 "Hardik Pandya was booed by the crowd at Wankhede Stadium during the toss ahead of their IPL game against RR. Image: X screengrab")
Hardik Pandya’s homecoming at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai did not go as planned after the Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper was booed by the crowd during the toss ahead of their IPL 2024 game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Monday. Sanjay Manjrekar, who hosted the toss, was quick to give a warning to the crowd. “Behave”, he said, after he introduced MI skipper Hardik Pandya. “MI captain Hardik Pandya. Big round of applause, ladies and gentlemen," said Manjrekar, soon after which boos could be heard from the crowd.
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The fans also showed support to former skipper Rohit Sharma by chanting Rohit’s name loudly.
Watch | Boult removes Rohit, Dhir for golden ducks in fiery first over during MI-RR clash
Hardik Pandya completed a blockbuster trade move to MI from Gujarat Titans (GT), the team he led to the title in their first year of existence. Ever since Pandya took over as MI captain from Rohit Sharma, the all-rounder has received a hostile reception from the fans, with the first instance being in their IPL opener against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
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More Shorts“It’s quite exciting to be a part of this game. We always look forward to the future, need to follow the process. Looking forward to playing a brand of cricket everyone enjoys,” said Pandya after RR won the toss and opted to field.
Mumbai Indians have lost their first two games this season (To GT and SRH) and lie in tenth place. At the time of writing this report, MI were off to a horrendous start having been restricted to 26/4 following the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Naman Dhir, Dewald Brevis and Ishan Kishan.
RR, meanwhile, have got their campaign off to a winning start with two wins in as many games. The Sanju Samson-led side are third in the points table with four points.