Mumbai Indians’ skipper Hardik Pandya again had to face the wrath of fans as he was booed by the fans during Mumbai Indians’ match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Mumbai Indians beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru heavily, registering their seven-wicket win. 

Even after Mumbai Indians’ return to winning ways, fans’ anger hasn’t died down against Hardik Pandya, continuing to boo him in every match. Hardik Pandya had replaced Rohit Sharma ahead of the IPL 2024 to become the new skipper of Mumbai Indians. MI opener Ishan Kishan was asked about the issue, but Ishan Kishan had huge praises for Pandya. During the game, Hardik Pandya was in a great touch, showing his battings skills, and hitting three sixes to score unbeaten (21) off (6). 

"Talking about Hardik Pandya. He loves challenges. He has been in this situation before. He is in that situation right now. He is not someone who will come out and talk about this and that. I know he is someone who works really hard off the field. On the field, he is on a very different level." Kishan said during the press conference post MI's win.

"I know he must be enjoying it.  I know him personally, I have spent a lot of time with him. He must be enjoying it. He is ready for the challenges, because you can't complaint to the fans. They will come up with their expectations, they will come up with their point of view. But at the same time, me knowing how Hardik Pandya thinks, he is someone who loves challenges. He’s happy with people doing it. 

Kishan also noted that there isn’t any discussion around Hardik Pandya getting booed as everyone is in full support of him. 

"We just don't think about him getting booed. We are there to support him. Whole team is there, the franchise is there, owners there and everyone is there. I just feel happy for him that he is keen on performing even in this situation, going out there in the middle and hitting a six of the very first ball, knowing that things can do in a different way. People can question you as well. But that is something that Hardik Pandya has in himself and do it," said Kishan.