Another match at the Wankhede Stadium for Mumbai Indians, another occasion where their captain Hardik Pandya was booed by the fans. It's been the same story since the start of the tournament, with fans vocally expressing their displeasure at the fact that Hardik replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain of Mumbai Indians. On Thursday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Virat Kohli had to step in and ask the fans to stop jeering Hardik, as he is an India international player. After the match, even MI wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan was asked about the subject in the press conference.
Ishan, who even trained with Hardik before the start of the IPL 2024 campaign, had nothing but praise for the skipper who has taken up an intense challenge by deciding to lead the Mumbai Indians. Ishan feels it's Hardik's hardwork, both on and off the field, that will eventually earn the appreciation from fans.
"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," said Kishan while addressing media after MI's win against RCB.
Ishan also said that Hardik isn't someone who will come out and ask the fans to stop the booing, as they have their own expectations and mindsets. But, the stumper is hoping that the fans start to love the new skipper soon.
"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."
As for the Mumbai franchise, Hardik being booed isn't even a topic of chatter as everyone in the dressing room remains in full support of the captain.
"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," said Kishan.