Because Hardik Pandya is a big-stage performer, I advised the audience to behave: Sanjay Manjrekar

In virtually every home game of the 2024 Indian Premier League, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya was met with jeers and harsh abuse. When former cricket player and current pundit Sanjay Manjrekar reprimanded the fans and begged them to “behave,” the crowd at Wankhede Stadium began jeering the all-round player once more.

It happened during the toss, and it gave the home crowd even more amusement. Manjrekar and the MI skipper did not release a statement, despite the trolls taking over social media. The former cricket player who is now a commentator finally opened up after the 30-year-old’s heroics in the just finished T20 World Cup, saying he asked the audience to act as he always believed in Pandya’s ability and called him a big-stage player.

What a remarkable recovery for Hardik Pandya. I advised the people who were making fun of and booing him during the IPL to stop because he was a well-known athlete. Numerous times, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Rabada (as well) have all been removed from the game. Hence, it should come as no surprise to see him succeed on the grand stage, Manjrekar told ‘ESPNCricinfo’.

He entered and gave India some hope with 60 off 33 in that semifinal match against England. That’s his main focus, then. You felt secure knowing that he would bowl wisely in the last over and that he wouldn’t lose his composure, he continued.

Also read: Anand Mahindra praises Hardik Pandya in a moving statement, saying, “His tears came from seeing redemption.

Following the Men in Blue’s victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final, Pandya spoke candidly about the challenging period, acknowledging that there would inevitably be highs and lows in sports. He continued, saying it was difficult over those six months and that he couldn’t figure things out.

“Those six months were mine, and I wanted them.” I was unable to even decipher my own experience. I was in charge a lot. I didn’t cry even though I wanted to. I didn’t want to provide them with the joy of seeing me pleased. I also promise never to. Now observe the outcome. In the last over, I had the opportunity to accomplish this. I never could have predicted this. Hardik said to Star Sports following the game, “I am at a loss for words.