ANI
Mumbai
Former India player turned cricket commentator Sanjay Manjrekar asked the Wankhede crowd to “behave” as fans booed Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya during the toss against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season on Monday.
When Manjrekar introduced Hardik as the MI skipper, the fans didn’t shy away from expressing themselves as they booed the 30-year-old.
While introducing the captains of both teams during the toss, Manjrekar asked the crowd to “behave” as they continued to boo the newly appointed MI skipper for the third consecutive game.
“With the two captains with me, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, big round of applause, ladies and gentlemen. Behave!” Manjrekar said in a video posted by IPL on X.
Since Hardik replaced Rohit Sharma as MI skipper after returning to his original franchise following two seasons at the helm of the Gujarat Titans (GT), Hardik has faced jeers and boos from a section of fans while also facing scrutiny from former India players.
Adding to his woes, the five-time IPL champions got off to the worst possible start this season, losing their lung-opener to GT and also going down in their second to the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Speaking at the toss, Samson said, “We want to bowl first. The wicket looks fresh, it’s the first game of the season (at Wankhede stadium), will get help for the fast bowlers.”
Hardik Pandya said his side is hoping to play the brand of cricket everyone enjoys.
