NEW DELHI: As the Rajasthan Royals prepare to face the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, speedster
Trent Boult
has thrown his support behind MI skipper
Hardik Pandya
amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding his captaincy transition from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians.
In anticipation of their clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Boult expressed confidence in Pandya's ability to block out the external noise and deliver stellar performances on the field.
"It is something you cannot control...you have to block out the white noise and focus on the job," said Boult, acknowledging the challenges faced by professional athletes amidst intense scrutiny.
Speaking specifically about Pandya, Boult highlighted the all-rounder's resilience and his capacity to rise above the criticism.
"Speaking of Hardik specifically, he is one of my favorite Indian cricketers and I do not think the booing will hold out for too long. I am sure he is one of those guys who can put it aside and focus on the job," Boult added, expressing his belief in Pandya's mental strength.
With Pandya facing scrutiny over his captaincy and performance, Boult emphasized the importance of delivering match-winning contributions to regain support.
"One hundred percent he's got a huge role to play for us in this tournament," said Boult, highlighting the significance of Pandya's performance for the Mumbai Indians.
Reflecting on the talent within the Rajasthan Royals squad, Boult commended
Riyan Parag
for his explosive batting displays in the tournament, recalling their first encounter during a warm-up game in Mumbai.
"He has always been pinned as an exciting player to watch, so of course, it is always very satisfying to see a guy go out and his game come off," Boult remarked, acknowledging Parag's potential impact on the team's success.
Additionally, Boult praised his pace partner,
Nandre Burger
, for his impressive performances in the powerplay overs, highlighting his pace and skills as valuable assets to the team.
(With inputs from ANI)
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