The sort of adversity that Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya has gone through during the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been beyond compare.
He was first booed at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad during MI's opening game of IPL 2024 against Gujarat Titans (GT).
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The trend followed to Hyderabad, where the 30-year-old was jeered by the fans present at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium during Mumbai's clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
However, the loudest boos and whistles have come from MI's very own supporters at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The boos were deafening during MI's first game of IPL 2024 in Mumbai at toss time for the game against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
That coincided with the Mumbai Indians not enjoying a good start to IPL 2024, losing their opening three encounters on the trot and have now four out of their first six matches.
MORE: Why is Hardik Pandya not bowling much for MI in IPL 2024?
Kevin Pietersen claims MI captaincy controversy is affecting Hardik Pandya after CSK loss
After MI's loss to CSK on Sunday by 20 runs, former England and RCB star Kevin Pietersen weighed in on the ongoing controversy as he claimed that the constant jeering on the field is taking a toll on Hardik Pandya's performance on the pitch.
Speaking on Star Sports, Pietersen said,
I actually think, with Hardik Pandya, everything away from the game is affecting him so much. He's smiling too much when he does the toss. He's trying to act like he is so happy. He is not happy. I have been there. I have been in the firing line. And I can tell you now, it affects you. If what's happening to Hardik Pandya.
The boos we have been hearing just now and I know they are happy to see former CSK captain (Dhoni), the lion, smacking him (Hardik) all over the park, it hurts you. Because he has emotions. And he is an Indian player and he doesn't want to be treated like this. So when this is happening, it's affecting him, it's affecting his cricket and something needs to happen.
What next for Hardik Pandya and Mumbai Indians?
The Pandya-led side will be next seen in action on Thursday as they travel to Mohali to take on the Punjab Kings in their seventh match of the season.