Hardik Pandya has captured Mumbai's adoration, a stark turnaround from his previous reception when he captained Mumbai Indians at the IPL.
New Delhi: Just a few months ago, Hardik Pandya faced tough times as captain of the Mumbai Indians. He endured a challenging period, often booed by fans at venues like the Wankhede Stadium. Regarded as a polarizing figure within the franchise, each defeat seemed to weigh heavier on him. His personal form slumped, contributing to Mumbai Indians’ failure to reach the IPL 2024 Playoffs. Seen as a controversial figure, the path ahead appeared daunting for Hardik.
But how swiftly fortunes turned. Just a month after his lowest point, Hardik Pandya emerged as a world champion when India clinched the T20 World Cup title. Hardik played a pivotal role in securing India’s second T20 world title, with 11 wickets and 114 runs to his credit. Shortly after, he made history by becoming the first Indian to reach the top of the ICC T20I rankings for all-rounders.
As fortunes have turned, Hardik Pandya has become the nation’s darling and particularly adored in Mumbai, where the same Wankhede Stadium once echoed with anti-Hardik slogans. Now, it resounds with ‘Hardik-Hardik’ chants as fans eagerly await the Indian team’s arrival. Despite attempts by Mumbai’s rains to dampen spirits, fans turned out in droves. Iconic Marine Drive transformed into a sea of blue as supporters flooded the streets to catch a glimpse of not just their favorite cricketers, but their beloved heroes.
2 months after he was massively booed by the fans, HARDIK HARDIK chants take over Wankhede
GREATEST REDEMPTION IN THE HISTORY OF CRICKET!!!!#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/BMDQgWTyfT
— Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) July 4, 2024
The entire city, and indeed the nation, is in a frenzy to witness Team India’s celebration of their World Cup glory. The meticulously adorned bus is en route to the airport to collect the players, then headed for Nariman Point before a triumphant drive to Wankhede Stadium. Rest assured, Hardik, whose eyes welled with tears after bowling the decisive final over, is likely to be moved once more by the occasion.
