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'I Want Hardik To Get Booed In Ahmedabad' - Aakash Chopra On MI vs GT Clash At Ahmedabad 

image-lsya1r2xPandya left GT to be appointed new MI skipper [X.com]

Aakash Chopra expects Gujarat Titans' (GT) passionate fanbase to throw boos towards their former skipper Hardik Pandya when he represents Mumbai Indians (MI) in his home town in Ahmedabad during the IPL 2024. 

The former India opener is anticipating the Titans support base not to have taken Pandya's departure from GT's camp despite two successful seasons at the helm lightly as he shocked the IPL followers with a one-way trade back to his former franchise MI ahead of the mini-auction. 



Under Pandya's captaincy, the Titans won their first-ever IPL back in the 2022 season and finished runners-up in the following edition in 2023. Given the culture of excellence he had established as a skipper and sustained a healthy dressing room atmosphere, Pandya was expected to take Titans to greater heights. 

Chopra Expects Ahmedabad Crowds To Rile Up Seeing Pandya 

However, the player reportedly accepted a sum of INR 15 crores plus 50% of undisclosed transfer fee to make a comeback to the MI set-up, where he was instantly awarded captaincy after the unexpected sacking of their mighty successful previous captain Rohit Sharma. 



"I want Hardik to get booed in Ahmedabad. If there isn't any heart burn in the public of Ahmedabad, if they don't feel hurt, where is the fun?" Chopra said on his YouTube channel. 

Apart from riling up Titans' fanbase, Pandya's rise as MI's new captain also ruffled the feathers of the five-time champions' followers, who had developed their strong bond with MI not just because of the on-field success but also due to Rohit's association and leadership. Chopra said Pandya will be under pressure to ensure MI keep winning. 

"From the team perspective, Hardik has been given everything he would have wanted. But his biggest challenge will be to pull the team together in one direction and help them perform collectively."

"Without that, the trophy can’t be won. MI’s season will depend on Pandya’s leadership skills. If he can help the team focus collectively, they can win," said Chopra.

According to the schedule announced for the first leg of IPL 2024, the Titans are scheduled to host MI in the two teams' very first game on March 24 in Ahmedabad.