Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen was surprised after Hardik Pandya was targeted by fans for leaving Gujarat Titans. The GT supporters booed him during the IPL 2024 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 24.
In 2023, the Titans were the runners-up, with Hardik as their skipper. However, he returned to Mumbai Indians for the 17th season of the tournament. KP, who has been a part of the league as a player, said that is a rare incident when an Indian cricketer has to deal with anger.
“Every time Hardik goes after the ball, the fans chant boom I don’s see that happening in India,” Pietersen commented.
Ian Bishop, the former West Indies pacer, asked what Hardik could do to bring the fans on his side. “Can he win their hearts? What he is suppose to do to get them back on his side?” Bishop said.
After that, the legendary Brian Lara chipped in, saying, “He should play for India when there is a match over here,” Brian Lara responded.
Hardik failed to win the first game as Mumbai Indians captain as GT registered a sux-run win. He hit Umesh Yadav for a six and a four but was dismissed while trying to go for another big one.
Mumbai will be looking to win their upcoming content against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 27 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.