Mumbai Indians are under fire across social media platforms following a contentious press conference featuring Hardik Pandya and Mark Boucher preceding the IPL 2024 season. Outraged fans have initiated the hashtag #RIPHardikPandya on X, propelling it to the top trending spot in India.
Fans, fervent supporters of the five-time champions, find themselves disillusioned with the team’s management and owners following the abrupt dismissal of Rohit Sharma from his captaincy role, despite his instrumental role in securing five titles for the franchise. The announcement of Rohit’s replacement was met with further dismay, conveyed through a single tweet that failed to resonate with the loyal fan base.
Here is how fans reacted:
https://twitter.com/AppuRj18/status/1769896265327018344?t=FoIwvNyIQTt5YB-noM4c6g&s=19
https://twitter.com/AppuRj18/status/1769887615472615752?t=XVJ-wYlGl-PbKEcK2elpJA&s=19
https://twitter.com/AppuRj18/status/1769885018120434134?t=-cAbY2GwR795Q6RLoi4pPA&s=19
Hardik betrayed the man who played a pivotal role in his career and this betrayal made his way to hell .
— °°मोटाराम चौधरी , बाड़मेर°° (@motaram_Barmer) March 19, 2024
RIP HARDIK PANDYA pic.twitter.com/qxLjMNBNW9
I see noo difference 🦁🔥
— 𝗔𝘆𝘂𝘀𝗵 🇮🇳 (@RofiedAyush) March 18, 2024
RIP HARDIK PANDYA pic.twitter.com/k1T4UNwKwI
Picture of the day 🚩
— 𝗔𝘆𝘂𝘀𝗵 🇮🇳 (@RofiedAyush) March 18, 2024
RIP HARDIK PANDYA pic.twitter.com/qxeun9bfPd
Before sleeping out remember the two GOATs of Indian Cricket Team will play under a criminal chapri 💔
— 𝗔𝘆𝘂𝘀𝗵 🇮🇳 (@RofiedAyush) March 18, 2024
RIP HARDIK PANDYA pic.twitter.com/EGE8ecDDEr
https://twitter.com/NeoIsRude/status/1769777206811677123?s=20
This is how Hardik Pandya ask for Captaincy
— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) March 18, 2024
RIP HARDIK PANDYA pic.twitter.com/tAYGdgCoEG
This is not a reminder, This is the Warning to all Fc here on X. If you wants your survival you have to respect our God Rohit Sharma.
— 𝗔𝘆𝘂𝘀𝗵 🇮🇳 (@RofiedAyush) March 18, 2024
RIP HARDIK PANDYA pic.twitter.com/EN6kLbRKa1
Hardik Pandya’s unexpected return to the team, coupled with his appointment as captain, only served to exacerbate the discontent among supporters, leading to widespread condemnation of the decision. Notably, prominent players such as Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav publicly expressed their disappointment on various social media platforms.
The situation escalated further when Ritika Sajdeh, Rohit Sharma’s wife, took to social media to criticize Mark Boucher’s remarks regarding Rohit’s removal from the captaincy. Despite mounting pressure and inquiries about Rohit’s dismissal, both Hardik Pandya and Mark Boucher remained reticent, opting not to address the circumstances surrounding the decision.
Their unpreparedness during the press conference was palpable, with fans quick to seize upon the opportunity to express their dissatisfaction, particularly targeting Hardik Pandya.
As the controversy continues to gain momentum, Mumbai Indians are set to commence their season against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 24th, with Shubman Gill assuming the captaincy for the Titans following Hardik Pandya’s departure to his former franchise.
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