I didn't say a word, it was unfair to me: Hardik Pandya breaks silence on IPL boos after T20 World Cup win

Updated June 30, 2024, 02:55 AM IST

Hardik Pandya broke his silence on the Mumbai Indians captaincy change controversy after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 title. Hardik was the star of the show with both bat and ball in the tournament as India lifted the trophy for the second time. Hardik won an ICC title for the first time in his career.

Hardik Pandya opens up about the controversy surrounding his captaincy of Mumbai Indians

HIGHLIGHTS

Hardik Pandya breaks his silence on MI controversy
India beat South Africa by 7 runs
Hardik was in brilliant form with both bat and ball

A feeling Hardik Pandya has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his appointment as captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) for Rohit Sharma’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 after India sealed the 2024 T20 World Cup title.

“It’s very emotional, something was wrong, but it was something the whole nation wanted. It was special for me after my six months, I didn’t say a word, things were unfair, but I knew there would be a time when I could shine. An opportunity like this makes it all the more special.

“We always believed, stayed calm, let the pressure come to them. Last time I knew I had to execute my plans. All of a sudden my swing speed increases. I’ve been in this situation, I enjoy the pressure situation,” Hardik said in a post-match interview.

For those unaware, Hardik’s appointment as MI captain sparked a backlash among fans and saw him booed across the country. MI had a season to forget in Hardik’s first season in charge of the team as they finished 10th in the table.

Hardik returned to MI ahead of IPL 2024 after spending two seasons with Gujarat Titans (GT), during which he led them to the title in 2022 and the final in 2023. Hardik joined the Mumbai-based franchise in a mind-blowing commercial deal.

Hardik was the star of the show for India, as he won the decisive final over for the Men in Blue when they had to defend 16 off the last six balls. The star all-rounder gave away just 20 runs in three overs and took three wickets.

Hardik was at his best in IPL 2024, and his all-round brilliance was the key to India’s victory, as he made 144 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 151.00 and won 11 counters.