Former Indian Cricketer Manoj Tiwary Weighs In on Hardik Pandya’s Potential Reception at Mumbai Indians’ First Home Game

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has offered his insights on the potential reception Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya might face during the team’s first home game in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on April 1. Tiwary anticipates that Pandya may face louder booing from fans, considering the recent backlash he received during the match against his former franchise, Gujarat Titans, in Ahmedabad.

Pandya, who took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma at the beginning of the season, encountered displeasure from fans in Ahmedabad, where Mumbai Indians suffered a six-run defeat. Looking ahead to their upcoming match against the Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Tiwary remarked on the unexpected captaincy transition and its impact on the fans.

Tiwary acknowledged Pandya’s composed demeanor in handling the fan criticism, describing it as a testament to his strong temperament. Despite the potential for increased scrutiny, Tiwary emphasized the importance for Pandya to remain focused on his performance, particularly with the T20 World Cup approaching in June.

The former cricketer, who also serves as the sports minister of West Bengal, highlighted the necessity for Pandya to maintain top form to secure his spot in the Indian team for the World Cup. Tiwary emphasized that Pandya’s performance will be pivotal in his selection, especially considering his status as the top all-rounder.

Reflecting on his IPL experiences, Tiwary also discussed Rishabh Pant’s comeback from a serious car accident in 2022. Tiwary expressed confidence in Pant’s ability to regain his form and praised the Delhi franchise for their unwavering support. He credited coach Ricky Ponting and mentor Sourav Ganguly for their instrumental roles in facilitating Pant’s return to the team, emphasizing their trust in Pant’s leadership abilities.

As the IPL season progresses, Tiwary remains optimistic about Pandya’s and Pant’s contributions to their respective teams, highlighting their potential to turn matches in their favor with their exceptional skills and determination.