Indian off-spinner and Rajasthan Royals cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin came out in support of his national teammate and Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya who was subject to intense trolling during MI’s recent games. Ashwin spoke about the need for fans to support the team and their players and said ultimately the fans are trolling a cricketer who plays for India.
Under-fire Pandya
After joining the Mumbai Indians from the Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya was vociferously jeered during his team’s inaugural match in Ahmedabad. Gujarat seemed to be angry due to a feeling of betrayal.
The jeers that came from the stands during the very next game, which was in Hyderabad, continued to be loud. He plays his first game at home on Monday. It will be interesting to see if he experiences the same kind of jeering at Wankhede as he did in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
Ashwin to the rescue
Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel had defended Pandya. “Fan wars should never go in this ugly route – one should remember which country these players represent – our country. So then what warrants a cricketer getting booed? – Enjoy what you like about your favourite but not by putting others down – that is one thing I like to disappear from our country,” Ashwin said.
