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[Saba Sports News] Hardik Pandya faced significant criticism and backlash from fans upon leaving Gujarat Titans (GT) to become the captain of Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2024. The scrutiny intensified when MI clashed with GT at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 24. Unfortunately for Pandya, his debut as MI captain ended in a disappointing six-run defeat.
The atmosphere at the Ahmedabad stadium, Pandya’s former home ground, was notably hostile. Despite leading GT to consecutive IPL finals, the 30-year-old couldn’t evade fan displeasure for his departure. Several videos circulated on social media depicting fans booing Pandya throughout the match, with some resorting to derogatory remarks such as ‘chapri, chapri’ as he left the ground.
Regarding the match, MI captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to field first. Jasprit Bumrah showcased his bowling prowess with figures of 3/14, supported by Gerald Coetzee’s two wickets, as MI restricted GT to 168 runs. Sai Sudharshan stood out for GT, scoring 45 off 39 deliveries.
While Azmatullah Omarzai provided GT with early breakthroughs, dismissing Ishan Kishan and Naman Dhir, Rohit Sharma (43) and Impact Player Dewald Brevis (46) revitalized MI’s innings.
In the final over, with MI needing 19 to win with seven wickets down, Pandya rose to the challenge by hitting a six and a four off the first two deliveries.
However, Umesh Yadav dashed MI’s hopes by claiming Pandya’s wicket on the third ball, followed by Piyush Chawla’s dismissal on the next delivery. This sequence of events ultimately secured GT’s victory, marking Shubman Gill’s first win as GT captain.