Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, Hardik Pandya left the Gujarat Titans (GT) in a sensational all-cash deal to join Mumbai Indians (MI). He was also handed the captaincy by the franchise management, replacing Rohit Sharma.
This decision, however, wasn’t well received by a section of Mumbai fans, who heckled the all-rounder throughout the showpiece tournament in different venues. Under his leadership, MI finished at the bottom in the team standings, winning only four out of 14 league matches.
With the 2025 edition of IPL around the corner, former MI coach Mark Boucher backed Hardik Pandya to turn things around this year.
A lot has changed since the last IPL season. Hardik went on to play an instrumental role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025 triumphs, thereby winning over the fans once again.
“It was really tough for him last season. He was being booed by the crowd every time he took the field, he deserves better, he deserves 100 per cent respect,” said Boucher, speaking as a JioStar expert.
“A cricketer never wants such a thing to happen with him. But he is a tough character.”
Having observed the all-rounder from the close quarters, the former South African wicketkeeper is confident that the adversity has only made him stronger.
“He is a battle-hardened cricketer. He has been through tough times, injuries, form, many things but he overcame everything and achieved success. The greats of cricket have to be tough, and he has shown that. IPL is better with Hardik on the field, the game of cricket is better with Hardik on the field,” Boucher added.
Pandya also received praise from former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who lauded his self-belief and fearless approach.
“He (Pandya) is a very confident player, very positive guy. He has tremendous self-belief that he can do anything. That makes him different from others,” Harbhajan said. “It’s really heartening to see (the way) he has progressed after a difficult last year. Things have changed for him. He helped India win two ICC trophies. This year he will be at his best. All the wrong things of the past are gone, it is a fresh year for him.”
While the IPL 2025 season is slated to get underway on March 22, Mumbai Indians will open their campaign against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on March 23.
