Mumbai Indians (MI) won their first game of the IPL 2024 season last time out against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Wankhede Stadium. West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd clobbered Anrich Nortje for 32 runs in the final over of the innings, taking MI to a massive total of 234/5 in 20 overs. In the chase, DC threatened to achieve the target, courtesy of Tristan Stubbs unbeaten 72 off 25 balls. However, Gerald Coetzee took three wickets in the final over as MI held on a for comprehensive 29-run win in the end.
Despite MI's win, a young fan, in an epic rant, wasn't too satisfied with captain Hardik Pandya's leadership so far this season.
In a viral video, the young fan suggested that MI made a mistake by replacing Rohit Sharma as captain with Hardik, and said that franchise showed no loyalty to the opener who led them to five IPL titles.
"Jo captain (Rohit) aapko paanch IPL trophy jitaya, uske liye itna bhi loyalty nahi rakhte ho (show some loyalty towards a captain under whom you have won five titles)," said the young boy, while re-iterating that Hardik should be removed as MI captain.
According to the young fan, MI won the game due to Shepherd's carnage in the final over, and also with Hardik not bowling a single over.
"Romario Shepherd ka last over (hitting) hi humein bachaya, apne bowlers boht achhe the (Shepherd's big hits in the last over saved us, our bowlers were very good). It's good Hardik didn't get the bowling, otherwise the match would have ended in the 14th over," the kid quipped.
The young fan also urged Hardik to start taking wickets and improve his strike-rate while batting.
"Strike rate badha, captaincy dekh, aur wickets bhi chatka thode, boht run deta hai woh (increase your strike rate, watch your captaincy and take a few wickets, gives away too many runs)."
Hardik has been under scrutiny for his leadership after three defeats on the bounce. However, fans have been more angry with him replacing Rohit.