Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary speculates that Mumbai Indians' decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain might lead to unprecedented reactions from fans, particularly at the Wankhede Stadium.
Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore boast some of the most loyal fan bases in the IPL. However, Pandya's captaincy debut at Wankhede might draw a different kind of attention.
MI's surprising move stirred up social media, with many expressing disbelief at Rohit Sharma's removal. Pandya faced booing during his previous match at home, indicating potential challenges ahead.
Manoj Tiwary expresses his surprise at Pandya's captaincy appointment and suggests that fans might express their discontent through louder boos during MI's matches.
Pandya's debut as MI's captain didn't go as planned, with the team suffering a defeat. However, Tiwary acknowledges Pandya's composure amidst the fan backlash.
Despite Rohit Sharma's immense contribution, winning five IPL titles for Mumbai Indians, Tiwary questions the rationale behind his removal, echoing sentiments of many fans.
Tiwary commends Pandya's demeanor in the face of adversity and advises him to focus on performance amid fan scrutiny, especially with the T20 World Cup looming ahead.
Tiwary emphasizes the importance of performance for Pandya's selection in the Indian team, suggesting that regardless of fan reactions, consistent performance is key, particularly for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
With fan expectations high and the burden of captaincy, Pandya must maintain his form and composure, demonstrating resilience and determination on and off the field.
As Pandya gears up for the T20 World Cup, Tiwary underscores the significance of maintaining form and fitness, indicating that stellar performances will be crucial for his inclusion in the Indian squad.