IPL 2024: Former Australia great slams Indian fans for booing Hardik Pandya

Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians (MI) appointed Hardik Pandya in place of Rohit Sharma as their captain for 2024 season. However, fans couldn’t accept the development as they booed Pandya on the grounds during MI’s matches. He also faced severe backlashes off the ground. The development affected the performance of Pandya and MI severely during the mega event.

In his response to the development, LSG coach Justin Langer opened up about the hero worship of some cricketers in India that was hurting other players too and had its disadvantages.

“I saw the flip side of hero worship in India as well because Rohit Sharma is a huge hero in India as India captain. And what happened with Mumbai Indians this year… Hardik Pandya took over as the captain from Rohit Sharma. The much-loved Rohit Sharma. And it was really sad to watch. You know, he got booed every game by the Indian crowds,” said Langer.

“He is the vice-captain of the Indian T20I squad. So, I saw both sides of it. I learned this from Jonty Rhodes and Morne Morkel, who’d been to the IPL before. Rather than getting upset by it, go with the flow,” the former Australia great added.