Star Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has opened up about the controversy surrounding Hardik Pandya’s appointment as captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). The decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Pandya had sparked significant debate and criticism, particularly targeting the all-rounder.
Team Unity Amidst Controversy
Bumrah acknowledged the emotional nature of sports and the impact it can have on players and fans. He emphasized that while the team did not condone the harsh treatment meted out to Hardik, they stood united in supporting their teammate.
“Sometimes we understand, we live in a country where emotion is the talking point. We understand fans get emotional. Players are emotional. It does affect that you are an Indian player, but your own fans are not speaking well. But you have to take it on your chin. How can you stop people? If you focus on yourself, you shut that door. It’s not that simple. They are screaming. You can hear it. But then your inner circle helps. We as a team do not encourage that. We as a team were with him. We were talking to him. His family will always be there. Certain things are beyond your control. That narrative also changed when we won the World Cup,” Bumrah said on the Indian Express Adda.
Focus on the Game, Not the Noise
The pacer highlighted the importance of maintaining focus amidst the external pressures faced by athletes. He stated, “You cannot take it seriously. Now that people are singing praises, it is not the be all or end all. When we lose a game, that narrative can change again. Because we play a sport that is so popular, every sportsman will go through all this. In football, we see fans booing people. The best players in the world face all these things. It’s a part of a sportsman’s journey. Things happen that are not a great spectacle. It is not fair. It is what it is. We live a great life; we have good things in our sport.”
Bumrah emphasized that such experiences are common for high-profile athletes and that the team’s primary focus is on supporting each other and achieving success.
“We as a team we cannot live a man behind. We are there for each other. We are trying to help each other. I have played a lot of cricket with Hardik but it might be a youngster. It is us against the world. You do not want to introduce too much. We were together and trying to help him if he needed it,” Bumrah added.
Road Ahead: Retention of Star Players
With the 2025 IPL mega auction looming, the retention of key players like Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav has become a major talking point for Mumbai Indians fans. The team’s performance in the upcoming season will undoubtedly influence their decision-making process.
Both Bumrah and Hardik played pivotal roles in India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign. Bumrah was adjudged the Player of the Tournament for his exceptional bowling performances, while Hardik showcased his all-round abilities, contributing significantly to India’s victories.
As the Indian cricket team prepares for future challenges, the bond between Bumrah and Hardik, along with the rest of the squad, will be crucial in achieving success on the international stage.
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