Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians suffered their third consecutive defeat in IPL 2024 as they were thrashed by Rajasthan Royals by six wickets on Monday (April 1).
In reality, things have not developed as Mumbai Indians would have wanted after appointing a new captain. They started their season with a six-run loss against Gujarat Titans before suffering a crushing 31-run loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
After playing their first two matches away from home, Hardik Pandya & Co. finally played their first home match on Monday when they hosted Rajasthan Royals. However, home advantage did not make much difference as the high-flying Royals condemned the beleaguered Mumbai Indians to their third consecutive defeat in the ongoing competition.
Asked to bat first, Mumbai Indians got off to a disastrous start and staggered at 20 for 4 before a 56-run stand between Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma steadied the ship. After the dismissal of their captain, they continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and eventually scored 125/9.
In response, the Royals also got off to a shaky start and stumbled to 48 for 3 in the seventh over. However, an unbeaten fifty from the in-form Riyan Parag helped them reach the total with ease in the end. The 2008 IPL champions crossed the finish line in the 16th over.
Hardik Pandya booed again:
As if the losses on the field were not enough, Hardik Pandya is also having difficulty dealing with the fans. Fans have attacked him throughout the season so far for replacing Rohit Sharma as MI captain. On Monday, the fans booed him constantly during the toss and Sanjay Manjrekar had to ask them to behave.
Things also didn’t change much during the game as the fans did not leave a single chance to target the India all-rounder. One such incident took place in the Royals’ fourth innings when Pandya missed a difficult chance to give Jos Buttler a break.
As soon as he dropped the catch, the fans started booing him. Hardik Pandya looked teary-eyed but did well to not let his emotions get the best of him.
Look:
Hardik pandya released the zipper and the crowd started booing (use headphones)
Atlast Hardik Pandya’s tears were pure gold! 💉❤️#MIvRR #RohitSharmapic.twitter.com/U5TA6ccIq4
– Melbo (@Thewhite__guy) April 1, 2024