Sanjay Manjrekar, the broadcaster and former cricketer, intervened as the Wankhede Stadium crowd booed Mumbai Indians' new captain, Hardik Pandya, during the IPL 2024 match against Rajasthan Royals. Amidst the loud boos directed at Pandya, Manjrekar urged the crowd to "behave," indicating his disapproval of the crowd's behavior.

Context:

The incident occurred during Mumbai Indians' first home game of the IPL 2024 season. As Pandya stepped out for the toss, a section of the crowd began chanting "Rohit, Rohit," expressing their support for the former captain, Rohit Sharma. Pandya, who took over the captaincy after Rohit's departure, faced a lack of enthusiasm from the fans, indicating a divided sentiment within the Mumbai Indians fanbase.

Hardik Pandya's Reception:

Hardik Pandya appeared surprised by the crowd's reaction, as he did not receive the warm welcome typically expected for a team captain. This was not the first instance of Pandya facing criticism from fans; earlier in the season, he was booed by the crowd during Mumbai Indians' match against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Additionally, in Hyderabad, Pandya faced a similar reception as Mumbai Indians suffered a defeat against SunRisers Hyderabad.

Impact on Mumbai Indians:

The incident marks a significant moment in IPL history, as it is rare for a home team captain to be booed by the crowd. The lack of support from the fans could add pressure on Pandya and the Mumbai Indians team, especially considering their desire for a change in fortunes in the ongoing season. Despite the challenging start, Pandya remains optimistic about the team's prospects, emphasizing the need to focus on the process and deliver an enjoyable brand of cricket.

Pandya's Statement:

Reflecting on the situation, Hardik Pandya expressed his excitement about being part of the game and conveyed confidence in the team's ability to turn things around. He emphasized the importance of following the process and delivering a style of cricket that resonates with everyone.