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Hardik Pandya was elated to return to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where he lifted his first IPL trophy as captain of the Gujarat Titans in 2022. However, Hardik, who made a surprising switch to Mumbai Indians last November and then was named as captain for the IPL 2024 season, he was booed and jeered by the Ahmedabad crowd throughout the match against his former franchise. Amid the crowd reaction, West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara made a cheeky comment about the on-air all-rounder, leaving commentators divided.
It happened in Gujarat’s 12th innings after Mumbai opted to bowl first. Although boos and jeers were evident from the toss, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen admitted that he was quite baffled by the reaction of the spectators, given that Hardik is first an Indian cricket team player and then an IPL player.
“I have never seen any Indian player being booed like Hardik Pandya is booed here in Ahmedabad. “This is something strange,” he stated.
Ian Bishop, who was also present in the comment box, couldn’t help but wonder: “What can he do to get them back?”
The question found a hilarious response from fellow West Indies cricketer Lara, who said: “Play for India… next time you play here,” as Bishop and Pietersen roared with laughter.
Hardik ultimately failed to win over the crowd as Mumbai Indians succumbed to a six-run defeat, thus ruining his homecoming. MI were on course to win in the chase of 169 as they required 48 runs off 36 balls with seven wickets in hand at that time. But a valiant effort by the Gujarat bowlers in the death overs saw the hosts prevail in the thriller.
Despite the crowd’s reaction, Hardik reiterated what he said upon returning to Ahmedabad and praised the lively atmosphere at the venue. He said: “It feels good to be back because this is a stadium where you can enjoy and feel the atmosphere quite lively and obviously the crowd was full and they played a good game too.”