Did Aakash Chopra label Hardik Pandya the worst captain ever? Former Indian cricketer issues a statement on the viral comment

Aakash Chopra took to X (formerly Twitter) and slammed a user named Rushi who used the former Indian cricketer’s name to make derogatory comments on MI skipper Hardik Pandya. Chopra, who regularly appears as a pundit for Jio Cinema, does say a lot of things about players and teams but this particular comment about Pandya being the worst IPL captain ever, was not made by him.

Aakash Chopra openly called out the user and stated that all of those comments were fake and that he had never said anything bad regarding the captaincy of Hardik Pandya. That tweet from the user Rushi was posted moments after the Sunrisers Hyderabad successfully defended the highest-ever IPL total of 277 and claimed victory by 31 runs. MI had visited the Rajiv Gandhi stadium in search of their first victory, however, Pat Cummins’ side cruised over them and continued the home advantage trend.

Until now, in the first 8 matches of IPL 2024, every visiting team has lost their matches while it has been the hosting team that has come out on top each time. It started with CSK beating RCB on the opening night, then Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, all won their first matches at home. With Mumbai facing Rajasthan up next at the Wankhede, Hardik Pandya’s side will be aiming for nothing less than a win.

What happened between the X User, Hardik Pandya, and Aakash Chopra

After the conclusion of last night’s match, the X user posted that Aakash Chopra has labeled Hardik Pandya as by far the worst-ever captain in IPL history. That user further stated that Chopra said Pandya has done a poor job as captain until now and that either he should relinquish the leadership role or MI should come forward to sack him.

Kuch bhi? Anything for engagement?? Don’t spread lies, brother. 🙏🏽

Statement wrong. My name’s spelling wrong. What’s wrong with you? 🤪😂 https://t.co/eg2YWimGB2

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 27, 2024

“I have seen the worst captaincy till date by any captain in history of IPL. Hardik Pandya has really done very bad captaincy. Hardik should either give up the captaincy himself or Mumbai Indians should remove him.”~ Akash Chopra [Jio cinema] How do you feel now @mipaltan ? It’s your future.🤣” – the user wrote on X. 

A response was needed from Aakash Chopra’s side and the former batter in his satiric way, came up with a fitting response. He reposted that tweet and asked the fan whether he will do just anything for public engagement and that he should not be spreading lies without proper knowledge. Kuch bhi? Anything for engagement?? Don’t spread lies, brother. 🙏🏽” – Chopra replied. 

The 46-year-old, who played 7 IPL matches for KKR in 2008 and 2009, took a brutal dig at the user by highlighting the incorrect spelling of his name, for putting out a wrong statement, and then asked if everything was alright with him. “Statement wrong. My name’s spelling wrong. What’s wrong with you? 🤪😂” – Chopra concluded.   

Hardik Pandya becomes 3rd batsman to score 100 or more sixes for MI

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya, who departed from the crease after scoring a much-debated 24 off 20, became the 3rd batsman to score at least 100 sixes for MI last night. His only 6 from the innings helped him achieve the feat in 94 matches since making his debut.