Delhi: India's star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah revealed how Hardik Pandya faced hooting during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Pandya faced heavy criticism when he was appointed as the captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise in place of Rohit Sharma during IPL 2024. Bumrah revealed that despite the adversity, Hardik's mental toughness was the key. However, Hardik turned his hooting into cheers within a month of helping India win the T20 World Cup 2024 title in Barbados on June 29.

Hardik was booed in the stadium during IPL 2024 and faced severe criticism from the fans. He left Gujarat Titans (GT) after 2 years and returned to MI and his return was not liked by the fans. The all-rounder did not take it to heart and continued to play and captain the team. However, Mumbai had a very poor performance in the tournament and they finished 10th in the points table with just four wins out of 14 matches.

Bumrah said in an interview, “We live in a country where emotions are really a topic of discussion. This is an emotion-driven country. Fans and players get emotional.”

30-year-old Jasprit Bumrah said, “It does matter that you are an Indian player and you are playing in India and your own fans are saying this about you, but it is like that. You have to take it upon yourself. How can you go out there and stop people? If you start focusing on yourself, you try to close that door.”

He further added, “Now, the world can think whatever it wants. We were talking to him as a team. If he needs help, his family will always be there for him. Some things are beyond your control. If it happens, it will happen.”

He also suggested that the fans' perception towards Hardik changed after his stellar performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. The right-arm pacer said, “You can't take it seriously. Because, again people are singing songs of praise. It doesn't mean that it's the be all and end all. A few days later, if we lose another match, the story might change. You understand that's the way it is.

'In football fans boo the best players in the world'

According to Boom-Boom, “Now you can understand it because we play a sport that is so popular. Every player has to go through these things. In football, you see fans booing the best players in the world. It is a part of the player's journey, there will be things that are not good. Sometimes, it may not be fair, but that's the way it is.”

Jaspreet said, “We have lived a wonderful life. We are doing well for our game and for ourselves. All these challenges will come, but it is better that you face them in the right way.”