Twitter Reactions: Hardik Pandya faces harsh criticism after a night to forget against CSK

Hardik Pandya, the newly appointed captain of the Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season, had a night to forget as his team suffered a heavy defeat against the Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium.

Asked to bat first, the Chennai Super Kings posted a formidable total of 206/4 in their 20 overs. Ruturaj Gaikwad (69 off 40 balls) and Shivam Dube (66* off 38 balls) were the star performers with the bat, helping CSK post a challenging total.

Pandya’s bowling performance came under heavy criticism, as he was hit all around the park by the CSK batters. Pandya, who bowled the final over of the first innings, was hit for 25 runs, with MS Dhoni smashing an unbeaten 20 off just four balls. Dhoni smashed the all-rounder for three consecutive sixes and took two runs in the last ball.

Also read: Hardik Pandya fumbles during toss time at Wankhede Stadium

When it was Mumbai Indians’ turn to bat, Pandya’s struggles continued. He was dismissed for a mere two runs off six balls, failing to make a significant contribution with the bat. Former skipper Rohit Sharma was the only standout performer with the bat as he scored an unbeaten 105 off 63 balls, but his efforts went to vain as the side fell 20 runs short of the target.

MI, who have now suffered their fourth loss in six games, will need to regroup quickly if they are to turn their season around. Pandya, in particular, will be under immense pressure to rediscover his form and lead his team to victory in the upcoming matches.

Also read: MS Dhoni whacks Pandya for monstrous six at Wankhede

Fans who have been critical of Pandya’s appointment as the Mumbai Indians’ captain have now intensified their calls for his removal. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment and anger, with many even booing Pandya during the match.

Here’s how ‘X’ users criticized Hardik Pandya’s performance: