Delhi: Throughout the ongoing 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have faced a rough start, losing all three matches they've played so far. Alongside their defeats, MI skipper Hardik Pandya has encountered jeers from fans at every stadium they've visited, whether it's Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, or their home ground in Mumbai.
In their recent clash against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), the hostility towards Pandya was palpable even at the toss. Despite this, Pandya, along with Tilak Varma, emerged as the only noteworthy scorers amidst a batting lineup that faltered. Their efforts briefly turned the stadium's sentiment in their favor.
However, the loss on their home turf only exacerbated the situation, amplifying the wave of criticism and disdain directed towards Pandya. Yet, on April 2, a new movement emerged on X (formerly Twitter), spearheaded by the magicpin app. The hashtag 'Don't Hate Hardik' gained traction on the social media platform, initiating a broader conversation around the treatment of the cricketer.