IPL 2024 [WATCH]: Virat Kohli steps in as Wankhede crowd boos Hardik Pandya; urges fans to cheer instead

In their recent Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 clash, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered a significant defeat at the hands of the Mumbai Indians (MI). MI batters, Ishan Kishan and Surya Kumar Yadav, showcased stellar performances, successfully chasing down a challenging target of 197 runs with seven wickets and 27 balls to spare at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.

Impact on RCB’s playoff aspirations

This defeat dealt a major blow to RCB’s early hopes of securing a playoff spot, as once again, their bowlers struggled to defend a substantial total. However, amidst the disappointment, RCB’s seasoned campaigner, Virat Kohli, garnered attention for his compassionate gesture towards the crowd at the Wankhede Stadium during Hardik Pandya‘s batting stint. A widely circulated video on social media captured Kohli reportedly urging the spectators to refrain from booing Pandya.

Crowd’s response to Hardik Pandya’s captaincy

Since assuming the captaincy from Rohit Sharma at the start of the IPL 2024 season, Pandya has faced a relentless wave of boos from spectators. These jeers have been particularly pronounced at venues like the Wankhede Stadium, where Pandya has been consistently targeted by the crowd. Even during the toss against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) a few days prior, the presenter at the time, Sanjay Manjrekar, found it necessary to call for crowd decorum.

Also WATCH: Rajat Patidar hits a monstrous six off Hardik Pandya during MI vs RCB clash

Virat Kohli’s compassionate gesture towards Hardik

In a video, Kohli can be seen positioned near the boundary line as Pandya steps onto the field to bat. The unmistakable chorus of boos directed at the MI skipper becomes audible, prompting Kohli to swiftly respond. Despite his own disappointment at the crowd’s behavior, Kohli has taken it upon himself to intervene, appealing to the spectators to refrain from booing Pandya. Kohli’s persistent efforts to quell the hostility directed at the all-rounder stand as a testament to his sportsmanship and commitment to fair play.

Here’s the video:

Bond between Virat and Hardik is so pure 🫶🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/xwVnhzS5eE

— ✨ Sid ✨ (@imsid_vasu) April 12, 2024

Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling display

Meanwhile, despite his recent good form, Kohli’s innings was cut short, managing to score only three runs after RCB was sent in to bat first. Nevertheless, notable contributions from Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar and Dinesh Karthik, who all scored half-centuries, provided some stability to RCB’s innings. Yet, their efforts were curtailed by an outstanding bowling performance from Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with remarkable figures of 5/21, restricting Bengaluru to a score of 196/8.

Hardik’s unbeaten contribution to MI’s victory

In response, MI seized control of the match, spearheaded by an impressive opening partnership of 101 runs between Rohit and Kishan. Both Kishan and Surya Kumar went on to achieve their first half-centuries of the 2024 season, further solidifying Mumbai’s dominance. Pandya then added the finishing touches with a blistering unbeaten knock of 21 runs off just six balls, ensuring a comprehensive victory for the MI.

Also READ: Faf du Plessis heaps praises on Jasprit Bumrah after his brilliant 5-fer helps MI stun RCB in IPL 2024