Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has weighed in on the recent booing of Mumbai Indians (MI) player Hardik Pandya by fans, urging support from team captain Rohit Sharma. Clarke emphasized the importance of public backing for Pandya amidst the controversy surrounding his captaincy.
In a statement addressing the issue, Clarke highlighted that Pandya did not personally decide to take on the role of MI’s captain, but rather, it was a decision made by the team management. He stressed the need for Sharma to publicly support Pandya in light of the ongoing backlash.
“It’s not like Hardik took the decision to be MI’s captain. MI took that decision,” Clarke stated, emphasizing the collective nature of the team’s decision-making process. He expressed hope for reconciliation between Pandya and Sharma, underscoring the importance of unity within the team.
The remarks come as MI faces a challenging start to the IPL 2023 season, with the team currently winless in their matches. The recent booing of Pandya by fans has added to the pressure on the team, highlighting the need for solidarity and support from all quarters.
Clarke’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of standing by teammates during challenging times and rallying together as a team to overcome obstacles. As the IPL season progresses, the focus remains on fostering unity and resilience within the MI squad to turn the tide and achieve success on the field.