"Rohit Sharma has to support Hardik Pandya openly or else.."- Former Australian captain warns Mumbai Indians
Published - 05 Apr 2024, 10:59 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:09 AM
Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke expressed concerns about the potential strain in the relationship between Mumbai Indians' captain Hardik Pandya and his predecessor Rohit Sharma. Michael Clarke suggested that Rohit Sharma may need to publicly support Hardik Pandya to resolve the situation.
Hardik Pandya faced fan backlash for replacing Rohit Sharma as captain of one of the most successful franchises. Rohit previously led to a record-equalling five titles. Reports suggest that Hardik set a condition to return to the Mumbai Indians only if given the captaincy role.
Fans booed Pandya during Mumbai's first match against the Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The trend continued from Ahmedabad to Hyderabad and Mumbai. The escalating nationwide hostility towards Pandya is concerning, exacerbated by Mumbai's three consecutive losses in the IPL 2024.
The five-time champions have remained silent on the turmoil surrounding Hardik. During MI's game against the Rajasthan Royals, Rohit himself appealed to the fans to calm down as the boos began echoing to quell the unrest.
Rohit Sharma Has To Come Out - Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke believes that if the backlash against Hardik Pandya persists, Rohit Sharma may need to publicly support him for the franchise's sake and their relationship. Clarke expressed hope for reconciliation between Rohit and Hardik, urging fans to support the team.
"I feel it's probably at a stage that if it keeps going, then Rohit Sharma has to come out and say something publicly and really support Hardik. You don't like seeing that. I know it happens in sports but home fans booing is not ok. It's not like Hardik made the decision to be captain. Mumbai Indians have made that decision; they brought him back and gave him the captaincy," Clarke said on ESPN's Around the Wicket.
"I just hope him [Rohit] and Hardik are fine. Again, they have always gotten on pretty well. Rohit is a super guy and a great player so that's the other thing. You probably need Rohit Sharma making runs as well for Mumbai to have the success that they've always had. But yeah, let's get some wins if you're Mumbai Indians. Hardik has got to keep playing well and hopefully the fans get behind the team and Hardik as captain."
Hardik Pandya's captaincy debut for the Mumbai Indians took a dismal turn as the team suffered three consecutive losses, leaving them at the bottom of the points table. Among the ten competing teams in the ongoing season, MI remains the only team without a win.
I Got Absolutely Smacked - Michael Clarke
The World Cup-winning captain acknowledged the discomfort of being booed by one's own fans, stating that it's not a good feeling. He recounted his experience of being booed at the Gabba while captaining Australia but ultimately earning applause after scoring a century.
"I copped it at the Gabba once captaining Australia. I got absolutely smacked when I walked out to bat. Fans booing me and then I think I made a 100 and they stood and applauded as I walked off," Clarke further stated.
The Mumbai-based team will face the Delhi Capitals (DC) in their next match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 7. The team will be hoping to secure their victory and open their account in the points table.
Also read: Ravi Shastri attacks Mumbai Indians owners amid Hardik Pandya-Rohit Sharma captaincy row
