Former England batter Kevin Pietersen becomes the recent member to show his support for Hardik Pandya who remains unwelcomed into the Mumbai Indians family.
Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, Mumbai Indians traded Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans and named him as the captain of the team for the 2024 season. Though Mumbai Indians and Hardik Pandya received massive criticism from the IPL and Rohit Sharma fans, the franchise stood strong in their decision.
But Hardik was repeatedly booed by the fans wherever he played. Even in his home venue, Wankhede Stadium, Hardik faced the same. But in Mumbai’s last clash which was played against RCB, fans once again criticised Hardik when he walked down to bat but Virat Kohli stepped in and asked fans not to treat him badly.
The request from the star batter abruptly changed the environment where the crowd suddenly started to chant “Hardik, Hardik”.Â
But the fans have not yet accepted the franchise move and still criticize the allrounder in his every move. Even Mumbai Indians coach Kieron Pollard came forward to clarify this issue and showed his support for Hardik Pandya.
Now, Kevin Pietersen too showed his support for the all-rounder and said he is an Indian player and he doesn’t want to be treated like this.
“I actually think, with Hardik Pandya, everything away from the game is affecting him so much. He’s smiling too much when he does the toss. He’s trying to act like he is so happy. He is not happy. I have been there. I have been in the firing line. And I can tell you now, it affects you. If what’s happening to Hardik Pandya,” Kevin Pietersen told Star Sports.
“The boos we have been hearing just now and I know they are happy to see former CSK captain, the lion smacking him all over the park, it hurts you. Because he has emotions. And he is an Indian player and he doesn’t want to be treated like this. So, when this is happening, it’s affecting him, it’s affecting his cricket and something needs to happen,” Pietersen said.
After registering a couple of victories in their last games, Mumbai Indians failed to continue their form in their recent match against CSK. Though Rohit Sharma scored his second IPL century in the tournament, Mumbai Indians fell 20 runs short for the victory.
With the victory, Chennai Super Kings remain in the 3rd spot in the IPL 2024 Points Table while Mumbai Indians slip to the 8th spot.
Mumbai Indians will play their next game of the season against Punjab Kings on April 18 in Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh
