Cricketing legend Kevin Pietersen spoke in favour of Hardik Pandya as the player continuously received booings from the crowd during the MI vs CSK match on April 14th.
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya endured another night of jeering from a section of the crowd during his team’s IPL match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday. Like MI’s previous matches, it also followed the trend of similar treatment Pandya has received from the crowd.
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen opined on the situation, expressing his belief that off-field issues are affecting Pandya’s performance. “I actually think, with Hardik Pandya, everything away from the game is affecting him so much. He’s smiling too much when he does the toss. He is trying to act like he is so happy. He is not happy. I have been there,” Pietersen said while speaking on Star Sports, as quoted by TimesNow.
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Pietersen acknowledged that being booed by fans can be disheartening for any player. “The boos we have been hearing just now, and I know they are happy to see former CSK captain (Dhoni), the lion, smacking him all over the park, hurt you. Because he has emotions. And he is an Indian player, and he does not want to be treated like this,” Pietersen added.
Meanwhile, Pandya’s performance with the bat was underwhelming in the match, scoring just 2 runs off 6 deliveries. However, his bowling figures were decent, as he scalped 2 wickets but for a costly 43 runs in 3 overs.
Moreover, despite the criticism, Pandya appears to have the backing of the Mumbai Indians management. Batting coach Kieron Pollard expressed his confidence in Pandya’s abilities. “I don’t know if it will affect his confidence. He is a confident guy, and he has been great around the group. In cricket, you have good days and bad days, and I am seeing an individual who is working bloody hard to improve his skills and playing his trade,” Pollard said in a post-match interview.
Nevertheless, MI booked their fourth loss of the season and is not looking great on the points table as they currently sit in the eighth position. Mumbai will next face the Punjab Kings on April 18th.
Last Updated on April 15, 2024
