‘Fans who booed Hardik Pandya a lot are singing his praises’: Former India cricketer slams critics of star all-rounder

Team India player Hardik Pandya was facing severe criticism from the fans when he was leading Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. However, the star all-rounder has converted the boos into praises with his stellar shows in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

The aggressive all-rounder bounced back in style in the Indian colours and performed consistently with the bat and ball thus far. Pandya has lived up to the expectations of an all-rounder as he has scored 89 runs in three innings, including a match-winning half-century against Bangladesh. He has also been claiming crucial wickets for the side. He has picked up eight wickets in five matches so far in the marquee event.

In response, former India opener Aakash Chopra was highly impressed with Pandya for shutting his critics with brilliant performances.

“It seemed like no one would go above 37. Virat Kohli - 37, Rohit Sharma - 23, Rishabh Pant - 36, Shivam Dube - 34, but then Hardik Pandya. People who booed Hardik Pandya a lot in the last two-and-a-half to three months are singing his praises,” said Chopra on his official YouTube channel.

Chopra feels that Pandya is looking in the right space of mind, and physically and he is stamping his authority on the field with his all-round abilities.