‘It's All Irrelevant’: Steve Smith Offers Hardik Pandya Crucial Advice Amid Fans’ Backlash

Steve Smith has stepped forward to offer advice to Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya, who has faced significant backlash both on social media and on the field during the IPL 2024 matches.

Australian batting legend Steven Smith has advised Hardik Pandya to disregard the noise from the stadiums during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, deeming them "irrelevant." However, the 34-year-old Australian acknowledges the subjectivity of how individuals respond to such jeers and overcome them. Pandya, who has faced considerable backlash from supporters since assuming the role of Mumbai Indians (MI) captain from Rohit Sharma, endured verbal abuse from the crowd during their encounters against Gujarat Titans (GT) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

During an appearance on ESPN Cricinfo's Time Out, Smith, who formerly captained Rajastan Royals in IPL, expressed that few people truly care about the internal struggles of others. The veteran cricketer shared his personal experiences in dealing with such situations, emphasising that he doesn't let them affect him.

"I'd try and just say, to block it out, it's all irrelevant. No one outside knows what you are going through. No one [from outside] is in that change room. Personally, for me, it doesn't bother me. I don't care. I don't pay any attention. You know it's all white noise, but certainly players do hear things and everyone's entitled to their own emotions and how they respond to those," said Steve Smith. 

New Experience For Hardik Pandya: Steve Smith

Smith acknowledges that the situation might be affecting Hardik Pandya, as it's a new experience for him. Being a prominent Indian player in India, facing booing from some fans is likely something Pandya hasn't encountered before.

"So is it affecting him? Maybe. It's possible. He probably hasn't experienced that before in, in any walk of life. So it's natural, I suppose, and particularly being in India and a star Indian player, to be in that position where some fans are booing you, it's certainly something he wouldn't have experienced," adds the former Australian captain.

After losing both their games in the IPL 2024, MI will lock horns with Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 1 (Monday) and will look to win their first game in the tournament.