After teammates, Hardik Pandya snaps at MI fans for supporting opponents
Hardik Pandya has now turned his attention from teammates to the stands, calling out Mumbai Indians fans for backing opposition teams during IPL 2026. The MI captain’s remarks came after another disappointing loss, this time against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede.
The defeat, despite MI posting a massive 243, pushed them further down to ninth on the table with just two wins in eight matches. Speaking after the game, Hardik reflected not just on performances, but also on the crowd support.
MI vs SRH, IPL 2026: Highlights | Scorecard
“Yes, I think we have not given them much opportunity to back us. But yeah, they have been quite fantastic. They have been loyal. They have been fantastic. Yeah, sometimes it hurts when the opposition team comes and they start chanting their names. We need to entertain them more to make sure we get that love and trust from them,” Hardik said.
The comment stood out, especially in a season where MI have already faced criticism internally and externally over their performances.
WHY DID HARDIK PANDYA CALL OUT MI FANS?
There is frustration in what Hardik said, but there is also a fair bit of honesty.
MI haven’t played like a team that commands the Wankhede this season. When results don’t come, the mood in the stands changes. That is what Hardik seemed to be getting at. The noise for opposition teams has been louder than usual, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier this season is a good example. The chants were clear, and for a side like MI, that is not something you expect at home.
HOW SRH THRASHED MI AT HOME
For most of the first innings, MI looked in control.
Ryan Rickelton played a standout knock, finishing unbeaten on 123. It was the kind of innings that should set up a win. Will Jacks gave him support with 42, and Hardik added a quick 30.
But even then, it felt like MI had left a few runs out there. On a ground like Wankhede, and against a batting side like SRH, 243 is big but not always safe.
That proved true.
SRH didn’t hesitate. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma set the tone early, and once the chase got going, MI never really pulled it back. Heinrich Klaasen ensured there was no slowdown in the middle overs.
What would worry MI more is how flat their bowling looked. There were no real breakthroughs, no pressure built. Even Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless and conceded 54, which summed up the night.
SRH chased down 244 without panic, registering the highest successful chase at the venue.
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