Jasprit Bumrah breaks silence on Mumbai Indians nightmare for Hardik Pandya in IPL 2024

Ace India pacer Jasprit Bumrah recently opened up about Hardik Pandya's struggles with negative receptions from the fans during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Jasprit Bumrah stated that players should overcome criticism and focus on their performances to contribute to the team in cricket.

Hardik Pandya returned to the Mumbai Indians (MI) in November last year. The all-rounder represented Gujarat Titans (GT) for two years after being released by the Mumbai-based franchise ahead of IPL 2022. Pandya was named captain of the franchise, replacing five-time IPL-winning skipper Rohit Sharma.

However, Hardik received backlash from MI fans after the announcement. He was booed by MI fans across the venues, including the side's home ground, Wankhede Stadium. To make matters worse, Mumbai became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament and finished at the bottom of the table.

Try To Shut That Door - Jasprit Bumrah

In an interview with The Indian Express, Jasprit Bumrah stated that the players should block negative thoughts, adding that criticism is inevitable. Bumrah said that players must focus on their performance rather than focusing on negativity.

“We understand (that) we live in a country where emotion is really the talking point. It's an emotion-driven country. We understand that fans do get emotional, and players are also emotional,” Bumrah said.

"It does affect that you're an India player, and you're playing in India, and your own fans are speaking that about you. But it is the way it is. You've got to take it on your chin. How can you go out there and stop people?

Hardik Pandya redeemed himself during the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA). The right-handed batter contributed with both bat and ball in the ICC tournament. He scored 144 runs at an impressive strike rate of 151.57 and took 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.64.

We Don't Encourage That - Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah admitted that ignoring criticism is easier said than done. The right-arm pacer mentioned that the team does not encourage such negative behavior from fans.

"It's not that simple saying 'just don't focus on it.' They're screaming, and you can hear it, but then, the inner circle helps you. We, as a team, don't encourage that, we don't promote that, we don't think that is warranted."

“Now, the world can think what they want to. We as a team were talking to him, if he needed support, his family will always be there. Certain things are beyond your control. If it happens, it happens,” Bumrah further added.

Hardik Pandya will be next seen in action during the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Pandya was expected to lead the Indian T20I team, but Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar chose Suryakumar Yadav. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested from both T20Is and ODI matches in the Sri Lanka tour.

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