Xtra Time Web Desk: During the IPL 2024 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on 11th April, RCB star Virat Kohli, stepped up to urge the fans to halt their booing of Hardik Pandya, MI’s captain, as he was getting ready to bat.
At 155/2 in the 13th over of their 197-run chase, MI seemed comfortably positioned when Pandya entered the crease. However, the routine booing from the crowd, which has been a recurring theme this season, drew Kohli’s attention. Initially disappointed by the crowd’s reaction, Kohli intervened, requesting them to change their treatment for the MI skipper. Despite the initially hostile reception, Pandya showcased his prowess with the bat, smashing three sixes to end his brief stint unbeaten at 21 off six deliveries. Pandya encountered a barrage of boos even when he came on to bowl. The negative atmosphere prompted a heartening moment of sportsmanship from Virat Kohli, who urged the crowd to support Pandya.
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Before Virat Kohli, Delhi Capitals Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly also came out in support of Pandya. Ganguly said it was not the all-rounder’s fault that he was given the leadership role. Sanjay Manjrekar also asked the fans to behave during the time of toss before MI vs RR clash, in the same match former MI skipper Rohit Sharma stepped in and urged the Wankhede crowd to stop booing their new captain even though the 5-time champions suffered a crushing defeat in their first home game of the season. Ravichandran Ashwin also took to his YouTube channel to extend support for Pandya. Commentator Harsha Bhogle too slammed the netizens for targeting Pandya and extended support for him in a cricbuzz show.
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197 seemed an easy chase for MI. Ishan Kishan blazed his way to 69 runs from 34 balls, featuring seven boundaries and five maximums. Rohit Sharma added 38 runs from 24 balls with equal parts of boundaries and sixes. Suryakumar Yadav, returning from injury, silenced any doubts about his recent form with a quickfire 51 off just 19 deliveries.