Xtra Time Web Desk: During the IPL 2024 match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium on 8th April, Sunday, Hardik Pandya encountered a shift in crowd reception after enduring booing and taunts in the previous three games. Despite facing hostility in earlier matches, Sunday marked a welcome change with no hostility from the spectators, prompting a heartwarming gesture from Hardik and his team towards the crowd.
The atmosphere was particularly special as children from various NGOs filled 18,000 seats as part of Reliance Foundation’s ESA (Education and Sports for All) day celebration. Previously, Hardik had faced criticism both in-person and on social media, prompting former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar to appeal for better behaviour from the crowd.
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Despite ongoing boos in earlier matches, Sunday’s game brought relief as Mumbai Indians clinched their first win in IPL 2024, with Hardik not encountering any booing. Post-match, Hardik and the MI squad expressed gratitude with a lap of honour for the supportive crowd.
What changed for MI on 8th April?
Hardik shorted it down to “clearing a lot of minds” and handling the players with “love and care” as the main reason behind the team’s comeback.
“It was a lot of hard work,” Hardik said after the game. “We cleared a lot of minds, made sure our plans are right, the intent is right, and today was one of the days where everything clicked. There has been a lot of love and care going around. Everyone knows we lost three games, but the belief and attitude of backing each other was there, which has been fantastic. We needed just one win, and today is just the start.”
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