Hardik Pandya: ‘The big debate is whether Rohit Sharma…’: Former England skipper on Hardik Pandya vs Mumbai Indians fans | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: The choice to nominate Hardik Pandya as skipper of the Mumbai Indians forward of IPL 2024 has sparked important controversy, drawing backlash from each consultants and followers.
Pandya’s elevation to captaincy marked the top of Rohit Sharma‘s illustrious ten-year tenure on the helm, following his commerce from the Gujarat Titans to the Mumbai franchise.
Nevertheless, the transition has been marred by dissent, with Pandya dealing with booing from the gang within the workforce’s first three matches, together with a house sport at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium.Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed astonishment on the Indian fanbase’s response, deeming it “staggering” to witness one in every of their very own gamers being booed.
Vaughan acknowledged the anticipated response when Pandya confronted his former workforce, the Gujarat Titans, however discovered the booing at subsequent matches perplexing, together with on the Wankhede Stadium.

“The massive debate is whether or not Rohit Sharma will find yourself again as captain. That has brought on a number of drama right here in India. The booing… I’ve to say, the Indian crowd simply loves cricket. I’ve by no means heard them boo. I’ve actually by no means heard them boo one in every of their very own. He received the booing when he performed at (Ahmedabad) in opposition to the Gujarat Titans. He left them and joined Mumbai. He took them to a title. So I get that in a pantomime type of means.”

“However for him to go to Hyderabad and get booed after which come to Wankhede and get booed by the Mumbai Indians followers whereas he’s taking part in for them, I am staggered by it. I’ve by no means seen the Indian crowd boo one in every of their very own. It is outstanding,” Vaughan stated on the Membership Prairie Hearth podcast with former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.
Gilchrist echoed Vaughan’s sentiments, highlighting the distinctive depth inside IPL fan bases. He emphasised Rohit Sharma’s enduring recognition and help, attributing the controversy to the dramatic nature of the IPL.

“It reveals you the standing that Rohit Sharma has within the sport there. The mysterious method with which all of it performed out initially, the tempo with which it occurred, everybody was shocked with Mumbai getting Hardik Pandya away from Gujarat after which Rohit relinquishing captaincy. It is an odd one. However that is the character of the beast within the IPL. The tribalism and depth inside fan bases. It is exhausting to duplicate anyplace else with that stage of depth,” Gilchrist defined.
Because the Mumbai Indians navigate by means of turbulent waters, the controversy surrounding Pandya’s captaincy provides an intriguing subplot to the continuing IPL season, highlighting the fervent ardour and loyalty of cricket followers in India.