In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Hardik Pandya faced a remarkable turnaround. Initially, he was booed by fans during the IPL but later won their cheers through his exceptional performance for India.
Pandya was booed in Ahmedabad during the IPL 2024 opening week. As the former captain of Gujarat Titans, fans were unhappy with his return as Mumbai Indians' captain. This continued in Hyderabad and even at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Despite his efforts, Mumbai Indians had a poor season, finishing last.
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How Hardik Pandya turned boos into cheers?
In the T20 World Cup, Pandya proved his worth. His all-round performance helped India win important matches. Against Pakistan, his wickets turned the game in India's favor. His consistent contributions with both bat and ball helped in India’s undefeated run to the semifinals.
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Pandya scored 116 runs in six innings, with a strike rate of 145, and took eight wickets. Fans and cricket experts began to appreciate his contributions again.
India’s captain Rohit Sharma and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey praised Pandya’s efforts. They highlighted his importance to the team and noted his return to form and rhythm.
Pandya’s performances in the T20 World Cup have helped change the perception of fans. The boos have turned into cheers, and he is now seen as an important player for India.