IND vs USA: Hardik Pandya reminded of IPL booing; told people don't know him

Reputed India commentator Aakash Chopra hailed Hardik Pandya for his fabulous performance during the India vs Pakistan game of ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday. Aakash Chopra also noted Hardik Pandya has turned fans' boos into blessings in ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Notably, Hardik Pandya became a victim of fans' criticisms recently during IPL 2024. The Indian all-rounder switched his team Gujarat Titans and returned to his former team Mumbai Indians. However, he also replaced Rohit Sharma as the skipper of Mumbai Indians.

As a result, both Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians fans were annoyed with Pandya. GT fans were unhappy that Pandya left the team's captaincy. MI fans did not digest the fact that Rohit Sharma was removed as MI skipper in IPL 2024.

Later, when Pandya led the side, fans booed and criticized him inside the stadium. However, it seems like Pandya has gained back their support with his decent show for the Indian team in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

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The entire ground shouting ‘Hardik, Hardik’ in the IND vs PAK match: Aakash Chopra

Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has hailed Hardik Pandya for his impressive show during the India vs Pakistan game. Speaking on his YouTube show, Chopra said fans who booed him earlier were cheering for Pandya inside the stadium

"Hardik Pandya - people booed him so much, and how life changes. I saw the entire ground shouting 'Hardik, Hardik' and a lot of love for him. Cricket is a great leveler. If you perform well, people who were abusing you will also praise you. They will pray for your success," the 45-year-old said.

Chopra, who represented India in 2003-04, also feels that Pandya has turned books into blessings with his outstanding form in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024

"I learned one thing we Indians are extremely lucky. We have 140 crore people and whoever follows cricket, prays for you, even though they don't know you. This is the biggest blessing. So Hardik Pandya has also turned that around. He has been outstanding," the former India opener further added.

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Pandya picked 2 wickets for 24 against Pakistan

Hardik Pandya could only add 7 runs while batting and failed to capture maximum runs in the death overs during the India vs Pakistan match. However, the right-arm seamer made a superb comeback while bowling.

Pandya bowled 4 overs and conceded just 24 runs in his spell, bowling at an economy of 6.0. He also collected 2 wickets by dismissing Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan, giving a big blow to Pakistan.

India defended their 119-run total by restricting Pakistan to just 113-7 in 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah hunted a 3-wicket haul to win the player-of-the-match award. Pandya bowled brilliantly in the previous game against Ireland as well, clinching 3 wickets for 27 runs across his 4 overs.

India has won two games out of two in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and takes the top spot in the Group A points table. Pakistan, USA, Canada, and Ireland are the other 4 teams in the same group. India will now face the USA in their next clash on Wednesday, June 12 in New York.