Hardik Pandya’s wait to win over the hearts of Mumbai Indians fans in his second homecoming will linger a little longer.
The anti-Hardik booing hung thick in the air at the Wankhede in their first home match this season, against Rajasthan Royals on Monday. Their third defeat on the trot meant the tension and the trolling surrounding Hardik, since replacing Rohit Sharma as captain, will not end in a hurry.
“Mumbai ka raja kaun? Rohit Sharma,” the crowd chanted almost right through the match, except for a brief period when Hardik was batting. Amid the chaos, there was an apparent attempt by Rohit to pacify the spectators when he appealed to the stands to calm down by waving his hands.
There is already talk that Mumbai Indians may have to give in to the fans’ demands and be forced to reinstate Rohit if this downfall continues. Chennai Super Kings had to bring back Mahendra Singh Dhoni as captain in 2022 midway through the season after Ravindra Jadeja struggled to meet demands.
However, it is understood that such a move is unlikely since the team management has long-term goals in mind. Rohit will be 37
this month and Mumbai Indians had to think about his successor. The think-tank is even ready to accept failures during the transition phase.
The 30-year-old Hardik has already proven his leadership skills with Gujarat Titans having won the
IPL in the franchise’s inaugural year and finishing runner-up the following season. He also has a good record as India captain.
Still, if circumstances do force a change, it is unlikely that Rohit will be handed
back the reins; the management will look forward and choose a much younger home-grown cricketer.