Watch : Rohit fans ready to 'Welcome' Hardik Panyda and team at Wankhede

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season unfolds, Mumbai Indians find themselves in familiar territory – grappling with a slow start under the leadership of newly appointed skipper Hardik Pandya. The transition from Rohit Sharma to Hardik as captain has stirred discontent among fans, adding an intriguing layer of drama to Mumbai Indians’ campaign.

Mumbai Indians’ Struggles under Hardik Pandya’s Leadership

Despite the turmoil surrounding the captaincy saga, Mumbai Indians remain determined to turn their fortunes around in the IPL 2024 season. With two consecutive losses placing them at the bottom of the points table, the team is poised to harness the energy of their home crowd and secure a much-needed victory against Rajasthan Royals.

See Also: IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals win the toss against Mumbai Indians; choose to bowl first

Fan Backlash against Hardik Pandya

The discontent among fans has manifested in vocal protests and instances of booing directed towards Hardik Pandya. The vicious reception from supporters has highlighted the challenges faced by the all-rounder in assuming the mantle of captaincy amidst heightened expectations.

Never seen such craze for any cricketer 🐐🔥

Greatest ever #RohitSharma 🐐 pic.twitter.com/N1F7I4cpxj

— Nisha  (@NishaRo45_) April 1, 2024

Captain Rohit Sharma reached wankhede stadium #MIvsRR pic.twitter.com/rQx0Q4iEny

— 𝕏 𝐊𝐏𝐒𝐀⁴⁵ (@kpsa45) April 1, 2024

Crowd of wankhede chanted Rohit Rohit on his entry

🔥 🔥 🔥 #MIvsRR pic.twitter.com/QGFdlrrcaU

— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) April 1, 2024

Dear @mipaltan, everyone is wearing Rohit Sharma jersey, just like you didn't allow Posters that supports Rohit Sharma

So now will you ask people to enter stadium without T shirt? 🤔#MIvsRR #MivRRpic.twitter.com/9IG4HsxU0W

— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) April 1, 2024

As per few sources near Wankhede Stadium-

The security is checking all the posters that are brought by fans –

any offensive posters found is not allowed to be taken inside the stadium!

A very strict checking is on before entering the Stadium!#TATAIPL#IPL2024#MIvRR pic.twitter.com/O9c2ak5yq6

— Nilesh G (@oye_nilesh) April 1, 2024

Multiple street vendors outside Churchgate station are selling "only Rohit" MI jerseys. Asked four of them for Hardik's jersey and all of come up with the same reply: "Sirf Rohit, Hardik gaayab" #MIvRR #MIvsRR pic.twitter.com/NdOTZy7shO

— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) April 1, 2024

Huge Rohit Rohit chants during Toss when Hardik Pandya arrived.

Sanjay Manjrekar intervened and told crowd to Behave.

Lourdes cheer for Rohit Sharma then Broadcasters have turned off the volume.#MIvsRR #RohitSharma #MumbaiIndians #HardikPandya

pic.twitter.com/tShW28CKh0

— 🕊️ (@retiredMIfans) April 1, 2024

Mumbai Indians’ Homecoming

Amidst the backdrop of fan discontent, Mumbai Indians prepare to play their first home game of the season at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The match against Rajasthan Royals carries added significance as Mumbai seeks to appease their supporters and reclaim lost ground in the IPL standings.

Hardik Pandya: The New Skipper

Hardik Pandya’s journey to captaincy began with a sensational switch from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians, marking his return to the franchise where he started his IPL career. However, his appointment as captain has been met with skepticism and hostility from fans, who remain loyal to Rohit Sharma.