Virat Kohli’s Sportsmanship Shines: Defends Hardik Pandya Amidst Crowd Boos in IPL Clash

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener Virat Kohli expressed his disappointment with the Wankhede crowd for their continuous booing of Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya during the 25th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Thursday.

Kohli, unimpressed by the crowd’s behavior, appealed to them to cease their harshness and encouraged applause for the MI captain. His gesture rapidly gained attention on social media, earning praise from fans for his sportsmanship.

When Hardik first bowled during the RCB innings, he was mocked by the fans, and even less support was evident when he came out to bat after Rohit’s dismissal. While Rohit’s shots were met with enthusiastic applause, Hardik found it challenging to garner similar encouragement.

A video that went viral on social media showed Kohli stepping in to remind fans that Hardik is part of the Indian cricket team, effectively halting the boos. The response was swift as the MI captain acknowledged the crowd’s cheers of “Hardik, Hardik” with a first-ball six off Will Jacks.

In November of the previous year, the 30-year-old player returned to his original franchise from the Gujarat Titans (GT) as part of a trade agreement between the two teams. The celebrated all-rounder had spent two significant years with GT, leading their efforts in the lucrative league with great success. During GT’s inaugural season in 2022, Hardik propelled them to an enchanting beginning, culminating in the team securing the prestigious trophy.

In 31 matches for GT, the right-handed batsman has amassed 833 runs at an average of 37.86 and a strike rate exceeding 133, including six half-centuries and a top score of 87*. Additionally, he has claimed 11 wickets for the team, with best bowling figures of 3/17.

Pandya played in 92 matches for MI between 2015 and 2021, amassing 1,476 runs at an average of 27.33 and a strike rate exceeding 153. He notched up four half-centuries with a top score of 91. Additionally, he claimed 42 wickets for the team, with his best figures being 3/20. Pandya has clinched five IPL trophies, securing four with MI in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, and one with GT in 2022.

In a thrilling match recap, explosive half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, coupled with a remarkable five-wicket haul by Jasprit Bumrah, propelled MI to a decisive seven-wicket victory over RCB in the ongoing IPL 2024 at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.