Hardik Pandya, the former captain of the Mumbai Indians, has faced intense criticism from fans since the start of the IPL 2024. His replacement of Rohit Sharma as captain has been met with disapproval, and he has been booed by fans at every appearance.
The inconsistent start of MI has only added to Pandya’s woes. Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has spoken out about Pandya’s ordeal, expressing concern about his mental health.
“He is a guy who has got the calibre and potential to be an all-time great for the Indian team,” Uthappa said. “But he has been let go by the team that discovered him, and he has had to move to another franchise. He must have felt a little bad about that.”
Uthappa also highlighted the impact of social media trolling on Pandya. “The mocking, trolling, and memes about his fitness, you don’t think it hurts him? It hurts him. It hurts any human being,” he said.
Uthappa believes that Pandya is right to prioritize his career. “It’s our job, yes it’s passion too, but it’s what puts the food on the table for me,” he said. “My job is on display for you to criticize. But we need to exercise empathy and dignity towards others, especially when they are going through a tough time.”
Uthappa’s comments have sparked a debate about the treatment of athletes by fans. He has urged Indians to be more supportive and understanding, especially when their teams are not performing well.
