Hardik Pandya’s switch to captaincy with Mumbai Indians was one of the most controversial events during the Indian Premier League. Following his trade from Gujarat Titans, the all-rounder was entrusted with the leadership of the five-time champions before IPL 2024, replacing the incumbent in the form of Rohit Sharma. While the move was franchise strategy, it caused an emotional outcry among the fans, who were still emotionally linked to Rohit, who was revered as ‘Mumbai Cha Raja’ by everyone.
As reported by BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla, Hardik had prepared himself mentally for the aggression. “When such things occur, folks in the BCCI do speak to players and tell them not to worry. In Hardik’s case, Rohit Sharma fans did not appreciate it. But the issue is over.”. Neither did Rohit Sharma agitate anyone, and Hardik always knew this might happen and was mature,” Shukla said in an interview on the official YouTube channel of the UPT20 league.
Hostile Reception Across Venues
The hostility was seen from the very first match of IPL 2024. Hardik’s return match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, where he had led Gujarat Titans before, witnessed boos in the stands. But the hostility was at its peak at Wankhede Stadium, the home venue of Mumbai Indians, during the toss against Rajasthan Royals.
As Sanjay Manjrekar declared Pandya’s name, the crowd began jeering in a chorus, prompting him to stop and ask the crowd to “behave.” The episode underlined the ferocity of fan reaction over Rohit Sharma being dropped from captaincy.
Shukla, though, lauded Hardik’s calm: “He did not allow it to impact him. He did not get emotionally carried away. Then, as soon as you begin playing, fans begin clapping on their own again.”
From IPL Low Point to T20 World Cup Hero
Pandya’s inaugural season as Mumbai Indians captain ended on a low note. The side wallowed in the bottom half of the points table, and the all-rounder’s personal efforts with bat and ball could not raise hopes.
But the fortunes changed drastically in the 2024 T20 World Cup. In the last match against South Africa at Barbados, Hardik bowled the game-changing final over, getting rid of David Miller and wrapping up India’s historic victory. Overwhelmed by emotion, he was spotted crying moments after the victory.
His comeback to Mumbai with the trophy in his hand changed the script. Spectators who used to abuse him were now hailing him as theirredeemer. By IPL 2025, Hardik again had the complete backing of the Mumbai Indians faithful, restoring his connection with the franchise’s die-hard fan base.
What started as one of the most acrimonious captaincy changes in IPL history has come full circle. Hardik Pandya’s resilience, combined with match-winning efforts on the international stage, not just muzzled criticism but also rebuilt his image among Mumbai Indians fans.
