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.

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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.

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.

As the IPL 2024 season unfolds, the clash between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium promises to be an enthralling spectacle. Amidst the anticipation, several compelling storylines emerge, shaping the narrative of this highly anticipated encounter.

Hardik Pandya: The New Skipper

With the spotlight firmly on him, Hardik Pandya finds himself in a dual role – both as captain and player for the Mumbai Indians. The burden of leadership, coupled with the expectation of delivering stellar performances, places immense pressure on Pandya, especially amidst Mumbai Indians’ recent struggles in the tournament.

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Fan Backlash against Mumbai Indians

The decision to replace Rohit Sharma as captain with Hardik Pandya has sparked considerable backlash from Mumbai Indians’ loyal fan base. The removal of Sharma, a revered figure in the franchise’s history, has incited frustration and disappointment among supporters, leading to vocal protests and even instances of abuse directed towards Pandya.

Fans at Wankhede Stadium have raised a new outcry, alleging that stadium officials are prohibiting the display of Rohit Sharma’s posters within the venue. This latest development has sparked fury among fans, who view it as a deliberate attempt to sideline the former Mumbai Indians captain. The decision has not only incensed the fans but has also drawn ire towards both the stadium officials and the Mumbai Indians franchise.

The ban on Rohit Sharma’s posters represents a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the fans, the franchise, and the authorities. It highlights the deep-seated sentiments and loyalty that fans harbor towards their beloved players, especially someone as iconic as Rohit Sharma.

Mumbai Indians’ Desperation for Victory

For Mumbai Indians, the upcoming match against Rajasthan Royals holds significant ramifications. A third consecutive loss would not only deepen their woes but also intensify scrutiny over Hardik Pandya’s captaincy and the franchise’s decision-making process. With their pride and reputation on the line, Mumbai Indians are desperate for a turnaround in fortunes.

Rajasthan Royals’ Performance in IPL 2024

In contrast, Rajasthan Royals enter the match on a positive trajectory, buoyed by consecutive home victories. However, their true test lies in securing an elusive away win, a feat that will be crucial in asserting their dominance beyond their home turf.

A life-size statue of the living legend Sachin Tendulkar is set to be installed at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It will be a gesture by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to pay homage to the local boy who went on to conquer the world with his batting skills.

“It will be the first statue in Wankhede Stadium, we will decide where it will be placed,” Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Amol Kale told The Indian Express.

“He (Tendulkar) is a Bharat Ratna and everyone knows what he has done for cricket. As he turns 50, it will be a small token of appreciation from the MCA. I spoke to him three weeks ago and his consent was received,” Kale said.

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Sachin Tendulkar statue to be unveiled on April 23

Although it is still to clear in which are of the iconic Wankhede Stadium, where Tendulkar played his last international match, will be placed; the officials have targeted April 23 as the day for the statue to be unveiled. April 23 will mark Tendulkar’s 50th birthday.

The batting maestro, incidentally, already has a stand named after him at the Wankhede. Apart from him, the MCA had honoured the former India captain Sunil Gavaskar with a corporate box and batting ace Dilip Vengsarkar with a stand. However, Former India great C K Nayudu is among the few Indian cricketers to have a life-size statue in the country.

Tendulkar recorded most hundreds (100) and runs (34,357) in his illustrious career.