India hero Pandya hopes to win over MI fans as skipper

The all-rounder's stocks are high after coming through in key moments in 2024 T20 WC and CT triumphs

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

Leading an IPL side is challenging enough, but Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya has plenty more on his plate. He must guard the five-time champions against another poor start, get the seniors to fully commit to his leadership and earn the respect of talisman Jasprit Bumrah. He must also find the best combination after the mega auction, and win over MI fans who last season booed him for replacing the popular Rohit Sharma as skipper.

The 2024 IPL proved to be the toughest for the all-rounder. Hardik faced the ire of the fans at every MI game. He looked rattled by the series of defeats as MI became the first team to be eliminated, eventually finishing at the bottom of the 10-team table.

As MI begin a new campaign looking to end their recent barren run, winning over the Wankhede faithful will be crucial to his team's chances.

However, there are many reasons for Hardik to be positive going into the season. He has been a hero in India colours since the 2024 IPL ended. He first helped India turn things around from a tough situation in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Barbados. When Hardik and Bumrah came on to bowl, the match looked lost — SA needed 30 runs off 30 balls with six wickets in hand.