Star Mumbai Indians opener Ishan Kishan has backed MI skipper Hardik Pandya to win over the fans after having faced backlashes during their win over RCB on April 11. However, Hardik has been at the centre of the heat from the supporters after he replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain of Mumbai Indians before the start of the IPL 2024 as well. He was also booed in Ahmedabad and during the loss against RR at the Wankhede as well.

Even during the win against RCB, Hardik Pandya was criticised, forcing Virat Kohli to step in and ask the crowd to support him. Speaking at the press conference after the match, Ishan Kishan said that Hardik is someone who loves the challenges and he would enjoy the situation he is in at the moment. And, Kishan said that one can’t complain to the fans as they have their expectations and point of view as well.

Mumbai Indians have registered two wins so far

“Talking about Hardik Pandya. He loves challenges. He has been in this situation before. He is in that situation right now. He is not someone who will come out and talk about this and that. I know he is someone who works really hard off the field. On the field, he is on a very different level,” he added.

“I know he must be enjoying it. I have spent a lot of time with him. He must be enjoying it. He is ready for the challenges, because you can’t complaint to the fans. They will come up with their expectations, they will come up with their point of view. But at the same time, me knowing how Hardik Pandya thinks, he is someone who loves challenges,” again said Ishan Kishan.

Ishan Kishan again stated that people will start loving Hardik Pandya once again as they would see the work he has been putting in and also claimed that the entire Mumbai Indians franchise is behind their captain.

People will recognise his hard work – Ishan Kishan backs Hardik Pandya

“He is happy with people doing it, in the coming games, he will do it with the bat and people will start loving him again. Because you’re doing well and people will also recognise your hard work. What you’re going through and still what you’re doing for the team. I think people do recognise that and our fans are like that. They can be a little harsh on you but at the same time, when you show that it isn’t bothering you, and you’re in a good head space and willing to perform well, that might change. If not today, then tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then day after,” he said.

“We just don’t think about him getting booed. We are there to support him. Whole team is there, the franchise is there. I just feel happy for him that he is keen on performing even in this situation. He is going out there in the middle and hitting a six of the very first ball, knowing that things can do in a different way. People can question you as well. But that is something that Hardik Pandya has in himself and do it,” concluded Ishan Kishan.

Ishan also opened up on the controversial few weeks before the start of the IPL where he lost the BCCI contract as well.

Opening up on this, Ishan said: “I was practicing. When I took time off from the game, people were talking a lot. Many things came on social media. But you should also realize that many things are not in the hands of the players.”

Ishan has brought about a big shift in his mindset during the break. His gave a deep insight into his thought process, especially about handling the low phases in his career.

“The only thing you can do is utilise the time properly. Also the mindset to think about the previous Ishan Kishan, I would never leave a delivery in the first two overs even if they are bowling well. With time I have learnt that even 20 overs is a big game, you can take your time and you can go ahead. Even though we have lost matches, we want to work together as a team. Changes have come like even if I am not performing and if I know someone else is not performing, I talk to them. I want to know what they are thinking. So these are things which helped me in the break,” he concluded.