Booing Hardik Pandya is certainly not cool! Period

In his second stint with the Mumbai Indians (MI), Hardik Pandya finds himself grappling with unexpected challenges, particularly in assuming leadership responsibilities, a facet of his role that has yet to fully materialise.

The recent IPL match between the Gujarat Titans and the Mumbai Indians witnessed a rare occurrence in Indian cricket—booing directed at Pandya.

This departure from the usual spirit of sportsmanship is alarming, especially considering it was aimed at an Indian, perhaps for the very first time.

Returning to Mumbai has been akin to transitioning from a nuclear family to a joint set-up for Pandya, where he must navigate the multitude of opinions, demands, and suggestions from various quarters.

While a robust support system off the field can be comforting during tumultuous times, on the field, Pandya finds himself in a quandary, unsure of whom to turn to in the dug-out.

The context of the match exacerbates the situation for Pandya. Leading his team against his former franchise, and captaining without the revered Rohit Sharma, who brought him to the fore of MI, amplifies the pressure on Pandya.

Additionally, the decision to overlook Jasprit Bumrah for the captaincy role adds to the scrutiny he faces.

These factors create a tense atmosphere, where Pandya is constantly under the scanner.

In the IPL, teams like the RCB, CSK & MI boast fervent fan bases, known for their passionate support at some iconic venues.

However, the treatment Pandya received in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad (vs SRH) deviates from this norm, raising concerns about the hostility exhibited by spectators towards a player of his stature.

Instances of unwarranted criticism from the crowd necessitate intervention from senior figures within the team. Virat Kohli’s admirable gesture at the Oval, where he discouraged Indian fans from booing Steve Smith, exemplifies leadership and a commitment to upholding the game’s spirit.

Similarly, Rohit Sharma, as a senior member of the Mumbai Indians, should take a proactive stance against mistreatment directed towards Pandya.

Historical incidents of booing in sports serve as cautionary tales, emphasising the detrimental effects of such behavior on players and the sporting community at large.

Examples like the booing of Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at Manchester United, and Steve Smith’s ordeal during the 2019 Cricket World Cup, underscore the importance of collective responsibility in fostering an environment of respect and sportsmanship.

The incident involving Pandya underscores the need to uphold decorum and respect in sports. Players, officials, and fans must collectively uphold the values of sportsmanship and support each other, irrespective of team affiliations or past controversies.

Only through concerted efforts can such incidents be prevented from becoming commonplace in the realm of sports. Furthermore, players should have the freedom to make choices on their own.

Loyalty towards one franchise is one thing, but the freedom to play with any IPL team should be the player’s call — entirely!