Tensions escalated during the 14th IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals when Hardik Pandya, the captain of Mumbai Indians, faced heavy booing from the crowd at Wankhede Stadium.
Sanjay Manjrekar, who was conducting the toss, intervened, urging the crowd to show restraint. The audience’s reaction stemmed from their discontent over Pandya’s appointment as captain during his return match.
🚨 Toss 🚨@rajasthanroyals win the toss and elect to bowl against @mipaltan #TATAIPL | #MIvRR pic.twitter.com/pziDfHNIci
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 1, 2024
Instead of receiving a traditional welcome at the home ground, the Mumbai Indian’s skipper was booed by the fans and was treated like an away team player. The crowd also chanted the name of former skipper Rohit Sharma loudly as well. With Pandya receiving a hostile reception from MI fans at home ground, Manjrekar advised the crowd. “Behave,” Manjrekar said forcefully.
The undeterred Mumbai Indians captain maintained his composure and smiled as Sanjay Manjrekar showed strong support for him during the toss. Pandya proceeded with the toss, announced the playing XI against the 2008 champions, and then headed back to the dressing room. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to field first.
“We had intended to bowl first. It’s quite thrilling to be involved in this match. We consistently anticipate the future and must adhere to the process. We’re eager to play an entertaining brand of cricket that everyone can appreciate. Facing the same team,” remarked Hardik after RR captain Sanju Samson won the toss and chose to bowl first in MI’s home ground.
Last week, Pandya faced loud jeering from the crowd when he took to bowling for Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2024 opener against his former franchise, the Gujarat Titans.
