In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Virat Kohli urged Mumbai Indians fans to applaud skipper Hardik Pandya during the IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.
When a section of the crowd targeted Pandya with hostile chants, the former RCB captain gestured from the middle, reminding the MI faithful that the all-rounder represents Team India on the international stage.
Pandya, who switched from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians in a high-profile deal before the season, has faced backlash from fans since replacing Rohit Sharma as the MI captain. He endured a venomous reception from supporters in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.
However, Kohli’s incredible gesture to quieten the crowd became an instant hit. Fans and followers of the game marveled at the superstar’s sportsmanship on social media. Pandya finished the run chase in style, smashing a six to seal the victory for the Mumbai Indians.
Virat Kohli asked Eng crowd to stop booing Smith – they stopped.
Kohli asked the Indian crowd to stop booing Naveen after all he did – they stopped
Kohli asked the Indian crowd to stop booing Pant – they stopped and chanted Pant Pant.
Kohli asked the Mumbai crowd to stop… pic.twitter.com/o3mkoCrYh0
— ` (@musafir_tha_yr) April 12, 2024
Batting at a strike rate of 350.00, Pandya remained unbeaten on 21 off just 6 balls, ensuring Mumbai chased down 197 comfortably in 15.3 overs. Quick-fire knocks from Ishan Kishan (69) and Suryakumar Yadav (52) had set the stage for MI’s second win of the IPL 2024. As captain, Pandya bowled a single over, conceding 13 runs in the RCB innings.
