It was surprising and joyful that after being abused by fans following a defeat against Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Indians’ Hardik Pandya received a warm welcome from the fans during the IPL 2024 match against the same team at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. This, on the other hand, was the out and out completely opposite of the matches when Pandya had to endure jeers, boos, and “Rohit-Rohit” chant from the home team’s crowd.
Crowd aggressiveness was a common feature of the initial games and transformed into favourable pressure on the Pandya player as he took the field. In a nutshell, over 18,000 seats at the favourite Wankhede Stadium were occupied by children chosen from various NGOs to witness Education and Sports all day.
Pandya and his teammates, of course, could not miss a great chance to show their heartfelt gratitude – instead of a few inappropriately celebrative gestures, they showed their readiness to hug all the devoted fans. The team hit the dance floor fully aware that their respect was the encouragement to fulfil this task.
While discussing the team’s dramatic change, Pandya said
that they had “removed a lot of mental blocks” and provided a platform to “express love and care”. The team had united their efforts and plans, and, in addition, the confidence was the base of their victory.
The confirmation of the change of reception, therefore, contributes to the uplifting of the spirit of Pandya and the other team members as the IPL season unfolds. The fans from Wankhede stadium demonstrates by their support of the nation’s team unity and resilience in an overcoming contest.
