IPL 2024: MI captain Hardik Pandya deserved boos, but not hatred | Sledging Room, S2 Ep 17

The IPL 2024 season could not have asked for a better start as the first-round matches lived up to the hype. While Ruturaj Gaikwad has found success and love as new CSK captain, Hardik Pandya's stint as MI captain has had an interesting start. In a never-seen-before moment in franchise cricket, Hardik Pandya was booed by fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Yes, the feeling of Ahmedabad fans was understandable. The boos were completely okay as the emotion of the fans was a reminder of the intense rivalries and loyalties that is commonplace in football. But, it started to get uglier as Hardik was subjected to casteist chants, as seen in viral videos on social media. The TV visuals of Hardik Pandya commanding Rohit Sharma on the field also did not help as there was more hate for the new skipper on social media. While there were a couple of glaring decision-making errors, Hardik Pandya must get more time to settle into a big role at a big franchise. More than anything, he needs the support of his teammates and the Mumbai Indians fans. Yes, the IPL is back and so is the drama around it! Tune in! Produced and Mixed By: Kapil Dev Singh