Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper, was recently observed boarding his G-Wagon after landing in Mumbai to visit his family. He was last seen on the pitch on Wednesday, leading MI’s away game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2024.
MI lost by 31 runs in the game, but fought bravely in a massive chase of 278 in Hyderabad. It was the Hardik Pandya led side’s second consecutive setback, after Gujarat Titans (GT) defeated them last Sunday.
Following the SRH encounter, the MI contingent returned to their home base in Mumbai, where they would play their next four games. They will next face the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Monday (April 1).
Because there is a lull before the forthcoming match, Hardik chose to visit his family to spend some quality time with them amongst his hectic schedule. A fan uploaded a video on X that shows Pandya entering his G-wagon automobile after landing in Mumbai to head to his city home. Watch the video below:
Steve Smith Comments on Hardik Pandya Facing Unfamiliar Crowd Reception During IPL 2024 Matches
Australian cricketer Steve Smith has encouraged Hardik Pandya to filter off external distractions and focus on his game. This comes despite fan outrage against the all-rounder during stadium contests.
Smith stated during ESPN Cricinfo’s pause on the subject:
“I’d try and just say, to block it out, it’s all irrelevant. No one outside knows what you are going through. No one [from outside] is in that change room.
“Personally, for me, it doesn’t bother me. I don’t care. I don’t pay any attention. You know it’s all white noise, but certainly players do hear things and everyone’s entitled to their own emotions and how they respond to those.”
Steve Smith
Steve Smith added:
“So is it affecting him? Maybe. It’s possible. He probably hasn’t experienced that before in, in any walk of life. So it’s natural, I suppose, and particularly being in India and a star Indian player, to be in that position where some fans are booing you, it’s certainly something he wouldn’t have experienced.”
Steve Smith