Hardik Pandya is back to lead the Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2025 after missing out on the first match against the Chennai Super Kings. Mumbai will take on the Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This brings him back to the place where all the booing started. The question remains has Ahmedabad forgotten or forgiven Hardik Pandya? Fans decisively voiced their disapproval of Hardik Pandya by jeering him because of his unanticipated transfer from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians for IPL 2025. The primary factors that caused this backlash include:
Leaving GT for MI
Hardik Pandya achieved an IPL victory with Gujarat Titans in 2022 while becoming a popular figure among the fans. He decided to bring his IPL journey back to Mumbai Indians although he had obtained success with Gujarat Titans. Most fans from Gujarat showed their disappointment because Hardik Pandya served as the captain that led the team while being an essential player.
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Taking over from Rohit Sharma as the captain of Mumbai Indians
A significant portion of Mumbai Indians supporters became upset when the team installed Hardik Pandya as their new captain instead of Rohit Sharma. Fans of Mumbai Indians considered Rohit Sharma their most victorious captain since he won five IPL titles therefore several supporters wanted him to maintain captaincy. Fans of Hardik felt frustrated with his appointment as team captain because Rohit Sharma maintained strong support from his backers.
Boos in Multiple Matches
The audience booed him during IPL 2024 matches particularly during matchups between Mumbai Indians at both Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The spectators stayed committed to their disapproval as IPL 2025 began.
Social Media Backlash
Multiple social media users belonging to MI and GT fans communities showed negative reactions to leadership changes by expressing anger about this perceived unfairness. The criticism directed at Hardik does not diminish his importance as a player because fans will witness how he responds to the growing pressure in this season.
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