Before the clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Wankhede Stadium, an intriguing scene unfolded as numerous homemade posters featuring Rohit Sharma were left abandoned outside the venue. This occurrence, captured in a viral video, showcases fans discarding their placards before entering the stadium, purportedly due to restrictions against carrying such materials inside.
This incident follows earlier reports suggesting that individuals expressing dissent towards Hardik Pandya would be removed from the premises, a claim refuted by a source associated with the Mumbai Cricket Association.
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Hardik Pandya, recently appointed as captain of MI, has faced a barrage of criticism from Rohit Sharma fans, particularly evident in the form of boos during MI’s away matches in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, both of which ended in defeat.
As Pandya prepares to lead his team in their first home game, anticipation mounts regarding the crowd’s reaction. Yet, the sight of discarded posters outside the stadium just before kick-off paints a contrasting picture.
The sentiments among fans, especially those hailing from Mumbai, towards Pandya’s leadership remain lukewarm despite his official appointment as captain three months prior. The key to winning over this skeptical audience likely lies in Pandya’s on-field performance, capable of silencing critics and earning their appreciation.
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With lackluster displays in the first two games of the IPL season, where he managed only 35 runs and secured one wicket, Pandya’s tenure as MI captain has yet to ignite. As MI searches for their maiden victory this season, the timing couldn’t be more crucial for Pandya to alter the prevailing narrative. MI’s defeats in the season opener against Gujarat Titans and the subsequent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where over 500 runs were scored, underscore the urgency for a turnaround.
The unfolding dynamics of the MI camp, coupled with the anticipation surrounding Pandya’s captaincy, continue to generate intrigue as the IPL season progresses.
