AB de Villiers mocks Mumbai Indians' fans, as Hardik Pandya wins back his respect

AB de Villiers, a former South African captain and one of the world’s all-time best batters, has shared his admiration for Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya after he significantly contributed to Team India’s historic T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in the USA and West Indies.

Speaking on Pandya's journey and resilience, De Villiers emphasized how the star all-rounder has faced significant challenges and criticism, particularly with his transitions between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2024.

AB de Villiers praises Hardik Pandya's T20 World Cup 2024 heroics, reminds Mumbai Indians (MI) fans of his worth

The South African batting great has taken a dig at the MI fans for trolling and jeering Pandya during the IPL 2024 after he made his country proud by helping the Indian cricket team beat South Africa by seven runs to lift the T20 World Cup after 17 years in Barbados on June 29.

In the T20 World Cup 2024 final, Pandya was entrusted with the ball at a crucial moment by the captain, Rohit Sharma, and he seized the opportunity, showcasing his talent and determination to successfully defend the 15 runs in the last over to end India’s 11-year-long wait for the ICC trophy.

De Villiers acknowledged the immense pressure Pandya was under and praised his ability to rise to the occasion, hoping his World Cup performance would have certainly won the respect of the MI fans, who booed him for replacing Rohit as Mumbai captain in the IPL 2024.

According to the former Proteas skipper, Pandya’s performance in the final over of the 2024 T20 World Cup final was a defining moment for the all-rounder, solidifying his reputation as a player who thrives in high-pressure situations.

De Villiers noted that even those who previously doubted Pandya's abilities, especially the MI fans, may now become his fans once again after his exceptional display in the final, saying he is a big man for a big moment and deserves respect.

I'm pretty sure Hardik Pandya has secured a spot in MI fans' hearts: AB de Villiers 

AB de Villiers said on his YouTube channel: “What stands out for me are the big moments. A guy like Hardik Pandya who's been through a roller-coaster himself with Mumbai Indians – moving from Gujarat to Mumbai – and all the criticism he coped with, getting the ball from the captain in the final of the T20 World Cup. That was his moment to go like, 'You know what… all Indian fans out there, this is what I am about as a cricket player'.”

He added, “He made everyone proud out there. Even though I did not want him to succeed like that, I look back and have a lot of respect for that. He is a big man for a big moment and that's exactly the way he played. To all you Mumbai Indians fans out there who doubted him, I'm pretty sure he has secured a spot in your hearts for the future.”

Notably, Hardik was instrumental in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, contributing with both bat and ball. He finished the mega event with 144 runs at a strike rate of over 150 and also took 11 wickets for the Men in Blue.