IPL 2024: Ambati Rayudu Comforts Upset Hardik Pandya In MI Dugout Amid Fan Backlash
Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya is currently facing the toughest phase of his career. Since taking over the leadership of the five-time champions in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma, luck hasn't been on his side.
Hardik Pandya's leadership has been met with criticism and disdain from fans across India. The transition from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians, with a condition of assuming captaincy from Rohit Sharma, has irked many supporters and pundits alike. Consequently, Pandya has been subjected to "Rohit Rohit" chants during matches, facing boos from crowds in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and even at the Wankhede Stadium.
Moreover, Pandya's tenure as captain hasn't yielded positive results on the field either. Mumbai Indians have suffered defeats in all three matches under his leadership, with Pandya himself failing to perform convincingly with bat or ball.
?Following Mumbai Indians' loss to Rajasthan Royals, former player Ambati Rayudu was seen consoling a dejected Hardik Pandya. Rayudu's supportive gesture was captured in a video posted by Mumbai Indians on their official Twitter account.
In a Star Sports show, Rayudu criticized the senior players in the dressing room for hindering Pandya's ability to lead freely. Rayudu emphasized that Pandya was being confused by the interference from influential figures within the team, making it an unfavorable situation for any captain.
During the match against Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians faced a challenging batting collapse, finding themselves at 20/4. Although Pandya and Tilak Varma contributed significantly, scoring 34 and 32 respectively, Mumbai Indians could only manage a total of 125 runs. Despite an effort to defend with early wickets, they couldn't secure a victory.
Mumbai Indians' next encounter will be against Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 7th.
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