Former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized the booing of Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya by the crowd at Wankhede Stadium and emphasized his importance for India’s chances in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
The spectators at Wankhede Stadium have been under scrutiny for their treatment of Hardik Pandya during MI’s matches. Despite a more positive reception during a recent game against Delhi Capitals, where the crowd mainly comprised children from various NGOs, Pandya has faced boos and taunts in previous matches. As MI prepares to face Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, Vaughan expressed his dismay over the treatment Pandya has received.
Speaking on The Ranveer Show on YouTube, Vaughan voiced his confusion over the behavior of the Indian crowd towards Pandya. He mentioned that while he understood the initial hostility in Ahmedabad, where Pandya previously played for Gujarat Titans, he was surprised by the treatment in Hyderabad and back at Wankhede Stadium.
Michael Vaughan said
“I don’t understand booing. I kind of get it in the first game in Gujarat, because he played for them for two years and did not do well as a captain. But then when he went to Hyderabad, I was like, ‘What’s going on.’ Then when he came back to Wankhede, his own home support was booing him. I did not understand that,” Vaughan remarked.
Vaughan then highlighted the importance of Pandya for India’s success in the T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin in June. He urged Indian cricket fans to support Pandya and boost his confidence over the next few weeks of the IPL, emphasizing that Pandya’s form is crucial for India’s chances in the tournament.
“What Indian cricket fans need to understand is that Mumbai Indians are Indian fans and for India to win the T20 World Cup, they need Hardik Pandya. They need him to play well. So somehow, over the next few weeks, they need him to get that confidence level right up to the top level, because with India having Hardik flying, they got a great chance of lifting that trophy,” Vaughan stated.
Pandya’s form and confidence will be closely monitored as MI and India fans hope for his success in the IPL and beyond, particularly with the T20 World Cup on the horizon.
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