[Watch] Fans at Wankhede Stadium have a change of heart as they chant loudly for Hardik Pandya following 2024 T20 World Cup victory
Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya won over the hearts of the Mumbai fans after his stellar performances in the recently concluded 2024 T20 World Cup. He was treated harshly by the Mumbai Indians fans across the country during IPL 2024 earlier this year after the franchise replaced him with Rohit Sharma as captain.
The decision was not received well by the fans, as they voiced their displeasure at all the matches MI played this season, booing Hardik Pandya at the toss and during the matches. The all-rounder remained calm through the period and kept working hard.
He then performed exceptionally with both bat and ball in the World Cup and earned the respect of the fans. It was evident during the victory celebrations at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday when the fans were chanting vociferously for Hardik Pandya.
You can watch the video below:
"He made everyone proud out there" - AB de Villiers on Hardik Pandya's performance in 2024 T20 World Cup
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers recently applauded Hardik Pandya for his wonderful performances in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The former RCB player pointed out the hostile treatment faced by Pandya during IPL 2024 by the Mumbai Indians fans and felt that he won them over by playing a crucial role in India's World Cup-winning campaign.
In a video uploaded on his YouTube channel, De Villiers said:
"He made everyone proud out there. Even though I did not want him to succeed like that, I look back and have a lot of respect for that. He is a big man for a big moment and that's exactly the way he played. To all you Mumbai Indians fans out there who doubted him, I'm pretty sure he has secured a spot in your hearts for the future."
He continued:
"What stands out for me are the big moments. A guy like Hardik Pandya who's been through a roller-coaster himself with Mumbai Indians – moving from Gujarat to Mumbai – and all the criticism he coped with, getting the ball from the captain in the final of the T20 World Cup.
"That was his moment to go like, 'You know what… all Indian fans out there, this is what I am about as a cricket player."
Do you agree with AB de Villiers' views above? Let us know your opinions in the comments section below.