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"Rohit Sharma Didn’t...": BCCI Opens Up On Hardik Pandya Getting Booed As MI Captain

Rajgeeta Yadav

Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]

2024 didn’t start well for Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya. After returning to the Mumbai Indians (MI) from Gujarat Titans, he was named captain, replacing long-time skipper and fan favorite Rohit Sharma. This decision didn’t sit well with many MI supporters, especially Rohit’s fans, and Hardik faced constant boos during matches, even at Mumbai’s own Wankhede Stadium.

Now, a year later, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has spoken about the issue. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla revealed that the board had reached out to Hardik during IPL 2024 to support him through the backlash.

"When such incidents happen, people within the BCCI do reach out to players not to worry. In Hardik's case, Rohit Sharma's fan base did not like it. But the matter is done. Neither did Rohit Sharma provoke anybody, and Hardik always knew this could happen and was mature,” said Shukla in an interaction on the UPT20 league's YouTube channel.


“He did not let it affect him. He did not get emotionally carried away. Then, when you start performing, fans start applauding by themselves again,” Shukla added.

That’s exactly what happened. Just weeks after being booed at Wankhede, Hardik received a hero’s welcome there during India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory celebration. As vice-captain, he played a big role in India’s win, scoring 144 runs in eight matches, taking 11 wickets, and bowling the tense final over in the championship match against South Africa at the Kensington Oval Barbados.

Mumbai Indians Under Hardik’s Leadership

Hardik’s first year as MI captain in IPL 2024 was rough, the team finished last with only 4 wins in 14 matches. He was heavily criticised, especially online. But in IPL 2025, MI bounced back, winning 8 games and finishing fourth. They beat Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator but lost to Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2, just missing the final.

Despite the rocky start, Hardik seems to have turned things around, on and off the field.