India’s leading pacer Jasprit Bumrah has praised Hardik Pandya for handling the relentless criticism he faced during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.
Pandya faced significant backlash from fans when Mumbai Indians appointed him as their new captain for IPL 2024, succeeding the franchise’s most successful captain, Rohit Sharma. The decision to trade Pandya from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians for an undisclosed sum sparked controversy among supporters.
’We, as a team, don’t encourage that, we don’t promote that’ – Jasprit Bumrah
In an interview with Indian Express, Bumrah expressed his dismay at the harsh treatment Pandya received from fans, emphasizing the emotional toll it takes when facing criticism on home soil. He acknowledged that while such reactions are part of the sport, it remains painful to see.
“We understand (that) we live in a country where emotion is really the talking point. It’s an emotion-driven country. We understand that fans do get emotional, and players are also emotional. It does affect that you’re an India player, and you’re playing in India, and your own fans are speaking that about you. But it is the way it is. You’ve got to take it on your chin. How can you go out there and stop people? If you start focusing on yourself, you try to shut that door”, Bumrah shared.
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Bumrah highlighted the crucial role Mumbai Indians’ management and players played in supporting Pandya through the tough times. He noted that the victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 helped shift public opinion in Pandya’s favor, with fans now showing massive support.
“It’s not that simple saying ‘just don’t focus on it.’ They’re screaming, and you can hear it, but then, the inner circle helps you. We, as a team, don’t encourage that, we don’t promote that, we don’t think that is warranted. Now, the world can think what they want to. We as a team were talking to him, if he needed support, his family would always be there. Certain things are beyond your control. If it happens, it happens. Now, that narrative has changed since we won the World Cup. You cannot take it seriously. Because, again, the people are singing praises”, he added.
Despite their efforts, Mumbai Indians struggled under Pandya’s leadership, finishing at the bottom of the points table in IPL 2024. As the team prepares for the IPL 2025 mega auction, it will be intriguing to see their strategy and which players they choose to retain.
