Mumbai Indians (MI)wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan has backed new skipper Hardik Pandya to win over the MI fans who have booed him in IPL 2024.
Hardik became the MI's new captain, taking over the reins from long-time skipper Rohit Sharma, who is still leading India across all formats.
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The decision baffled the MI faithful and they unleashed a lot of criticism (and hate) on the Baroda-born all-rounder.
Hardik has been subject to a lot of whistles and booing from the supporters present in the stands, whether it's the away grounds or the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
However, Kishan feels that it's a matter of time before things turn around for the MI skipper in IPL 2024.
MORE: Did Kohli ask the Wankhede crowd to stop booing Hardik during MI vs RCB?
'People will start loving him': Ishan Kishan optimistic about MI fans getting behind Hardik Pandya
Speaking after MI's emphatic seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Thursday, Kishan felt that Hardik will get the fans to love him with his performances in the coming matches.
He [Hardik] loves challenges, he has been in this situation before and he is in that situation right now. He is not someone who will come out and talk about it and say let's stop this or that. I know that he must be enjoying it. I know him personally. I have spent a lot of time with him. He is ready for the challenges because you cannot complain to the fans, they will come up with their explanations and their point of view.
Knowing how Hardik Pandya thinks, he is happy with people doing it but I know that in the coming games, he will do it with the bat and people will start loving him [again]. People also recognise your hard work, what you are going through and still you are doing so well for your team.
Our fans will be a little harsh on you but at the same time when you do well, or when you show that it is [still] not bothering you and [that] you are in a good headspace, that might change. If not today, tomorrow. If not tomorrow, the day after tomorrow.
What next for Hardik Pandya and Mumbai Indians?
MI will be keen to continue their two-game winning streak when they host arch-nemeses Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 14.
MI are currently in 7th position in the IPL 2024 standings, winning two games and losing three.
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