People will start loving Hardik Pandya again: Kishan backs MI skipper to win over fans

Ishan Kishan has backed MI skipper Hardik Pandya to win over the fans after being booed during their win over RCB on April 11.

Hardik has been at the centre of the heat from the supporters after he had replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain of Mumbai before the start of the IPL 2024 season. The all-rounder was booed in Ahmedabad and during the loss against RR at the Wankhede, where Sanjay Manjrekar had to step in and ask the crowd to behave.

Even during the win against RCB, Hardik was subjected to boos and this forced Virat Kohli to step in and ask the crowd to get behind their captain. Speaking at the press conference after the match, Kishan said that Hardik is someone who loves the challenges and would enjoy the situation he is in at the moment.

Kishan said that one can’t complain to the fans as they have their own expectations and have their own point of view.

“Talking about Hardik Pandya. He loves challenges. He has been in this situation before. He is in that situation right now. He is not someone who will come out and talk about this and that. I know he is someone who works really hard off the field. On the field, he is on a very different level.”

“I know he must be enjoying it. I have spent a lot of time with him. He must be enjoying it. He is ready for the challenges, because you can’t complaint to the fans. They will come up with their expectations, they will come up with their point of view. But at the same time, me knowing how Hardik Pandya thinks, he is someone who loves challenges,” said Kishan.

People will recognise your hard work: Kishan backs Hardik
Kishan went on to say that people will start loving Hardik once again as they would see the work he has been putting in and also claimed that the entire MI franchise is behind their skipper.

“He is happy with people doing it, in the coming games, he will do it with the bat and people will start loving him again. Because you’re doing well and people will also recognise your hard work. What you’re going through and still what you’re doing for the team. I think people do recognise that and our fans are like that. They can be a little harsh on you but at the same time, when you show that it isn’t bothering you, and you’re in a good head space and willing to perform well, that might change. If not today, then tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then day after.”

“We just don’t think about him getting booed. We are there to support him. Whole team is there, the franchise is there. I just feel happy for him that he is keen on performing even in this situation. He is going out there in the middle and hitting a six of the very first ball, knowing that things can do in a different way. People can question you as well. But that is something that Hardik Pandya has in himself and do it,” said Kishan.

Hardik and MI will next be in action against CSK on April 14.