IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has been subject to online abuse and criticism for various reasons past couple of months. The Indian all-rounder got injured during the ODI World Cup 2023 and was ruled out for the remainder of the matches, and yet fans questioned the credibility of the player and determination to play for the nation.
Things have gone from bad to worse for the player as ever since he was made the captain of Mumbai Indians, the decision received immense amount of backlash from the fans. Fans of Rohit Sharma accused the management of the franchise of disrespecting the Hitman and Hardik was subject to booes and adverse comments on the field from the spectators in the stands.
Adding fuel to the fire, few clips have recently circulated, stating that Hardik Pandya has seemingly disrespected coach and former cricketer, Lasith Malinga. Malinga is one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of white ball cricket and does carry with himself a large fanbase.
However, seeing the clips, the main question which arises is that how conclusive is the evidence in the video which states any sort of disrespect being shown by Hardik Pandya to the legendary Lasith Malinga. Fans over social media have argued against and in favour of Hardik Pandya.
Concluding the above-mentioned facts, we cannot say with assurance that Hardik Pandya has disrespected Malinga, as in the first clip, Hardik arrived in the dugout after getting out and it can clearly be a sign of a positive gesture from Malinga to give his seat. Also, in the second clip, there is no such evidence of a push or disrespect from Hardik Pandya.
Such videos are taken without any proper context and causes rift amongst the fans and therefore, sport must always be about sport and the iconic moments that occur on the field, and fans must enjoy the carnival of the shortest format of white ball cricket, the INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE!