Hardik Pandya’s appointment as Mumbai Indians’ captain in 2024 sparked controversy among fans, leading to frequent booing and criticism. However, India and MI pacer Jasprit Bumrah has revealed the team’s unwavering support for Pandya during this challenging period.
Bumrah emphasized that the team strongly disapproves of the negative behavior directed towards Pandya. “We don’t encourage or promote that. We don’t think it’s warranted,” he stated. The team rallied around Pandya, providing him with support and encouragement.
The situation took a dramatic turn after India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Pandya’s match-winning performance in the final, where he dismissed key South African batsmen, earned him widespread praise and admiration. The narrative shifted, and the fans who had once booed him now cheered him on.
“The narrative just changed when we won the World Cup,” Bumrah said. “This is part of the journey. It’s us against the world. We will try to give as much support as we can.”
Pandya’s impressive performance in the T20 World Cup, where he scored 144 runs at a strike rate of over 150 and claimed 11 wickets, further solidified his position as a valuable asset to the team.
Bumrah’s comments highlight the importance of team unity and support, especially in the face of adversity. The Mumbai Indians’ unwavering belief in Pandya’s leadership and abilities ultimately helped him overcome the initial backlash and establish himself as a respected captain.
