Pandya's Wankhede Homecoming Ignites Fan Fury as Crowd Chants for Ex-Captain Rohit Sharma

In the IPL opener at Wankhede Stadium, Hardik Pandya, captain of Mumbai Indians, was mercilessly booed by the home crowd. Despite the chorus of "Rohit-Rohit" and broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar's pleas for decorum, the hostile reception from fans reflected the tribalism and intensity of IPL rivalries. This hostile welcome followed Pandya's controversial move from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai, where he replaced fan favorite Rohit Sharma as captain.

Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Homecoming Met with Ferocious Backlash from Venomous Wankhede Crowd

Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium erupted in a deafening chorus of disapproval as Hardik Pandya, the celebrated all-rounder and Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper, stepped onto the field for his first home game of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). The hostile reception that greeted Pandya on Monday in match No. 14 against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) was a testament to the profound resentment harbored by Mumbai's ardent fanbase towards their former captain, Rohit Sharma.

Pandya was mercilessly booed by the unrelenting crowd as he emerged for the customary coin toss. The relentless jeering continued unabated, with chants of "Rohit-Rohit" reverberating throughout the stadium. The crowd's venomous disapproval was further amplified by the chants of "Rohit-Rohit," a clear manifestation of their unwavering loyalty to their former captain and their disdain for the man who had replaced him.

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, tasked with introducing the MI captain at the toss, felt compelled to admonish the rabid crowd, urging them to "behave." However, the hostile atmosphere persisted, with the crowd leaving no doubt about their feelings towards Pandya.

Pandya succeeded Rohit, who guided MI to an unprecedented five IPL crowns in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. The manner of Rohit's departure and Pandya's subsequent appointment as captain had left a bitter taste in the mouths of many fans.

Gilchrist Highlights Tribalism and Intensity of Fan Wars

The ugly turn taken by fan loyalty in the IPL was not lost on legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist. Speaking on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, Gilchrist pointed out the divisive nature of fan allegiances and the intense rivalry that characterized the IPL.

"It shows you the status that Rohit Sharma has in the game there," Gilchrist said. "The mysterious manner with which it all played out initially, the pace with which it happened, everyone was stunned with Mumbai getting Hardik Pandya away from Gujarat and then Rohit relinquishing captaincy. It's an odd one. But this is the nature of the beast in the IPL. The tribalism and intensity within fan bases. It's hard to replicate anywhere else with that level of intensity."

Hardik's Departure from Gujarat Titans and Arrival at Mumbai Indians

Pandya, a local hero, left Gujarat Titans (GT) after two remarkable seasons with the IPL newcomers. In his debut season as captain in 2022, Pandya guided GT to their maiden IPL triumph. The Titans also reached the final in 2023 under Pandya's leadership. Prior to the 2024 IPL auction, Pandya joined MI in a lucrative all-cash deal.

Mumbai Indians' Dismal Start to the Season

Mumbai Indians, a highly decorated franchise with a record number of IPL titles, have endured a miserable start to the 2024 season, losing their first three games. In their encounter with RR at Wankhede, MI posted a paltry total of 125-9. Pandya scored a valiant 34 off 21 balls, while former skipper Rohit was dismissed for a golden duck by pacer Trent Boult. RR cruised to a comprehensive six-wicket victory, extending MI's winless streak in the IPL 2024.

Hardik and Co. will face Rishabh Pant's Delhi Capitals in match No. 20 on Sunday. The beleaguered MI will be desperate to break their winless run and salvage their dwindling hopes of qualifying for the playoffs.