NEW DELHI:
Sanjay Manjrekar
's attempt to pacify the Wankhede crowd, who were booing the newly-appointed Mumbai Indians skipper
Hardik Pandya
, stemmed from his belief that their discourteous behavior towards a "big stage player" was unjustified.
The jeering followed Pandya at every stadium after he took over the captaincy from
Rohit Sharma
, whose successful and popular tenure ended controversially.
The incident had a profound effect on Pandya.
During the toss at a home match of MI at the Wankhede, Manjrekar intervened, but his actions only sparked a meme-fest by insensitive social media trolls.
However, Pandya's significant contribution to India's second
T20 World Cup
victory, with 144 runs and 11 wickets, has validated Manjrekar's stance.
“What a turnaround for Hardik Pandya. In IPL, there were people jeering him and booing him and I told them to behave because this is a big-stage player,” Manjrekar told 'ESPNCricinfo'.
Former India cricketer had unwavering faith in Hardik Pandya's ability to perform under pressure. Pandya's crucial wicket of the formidable Heinrich Klaasen turned the tide of the match in his team's favour.
“We have seen that umpteen times, wickets of Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and right at the end, Rabada, so he was a champion and no surprise, to see him flourish on the big stage,” Manjrekar said.
Manjrekar highlighted the importance of a particular player in the Indian team. He pointed out that even during India's disappointing loss to England in Adelaide during the 2022 tournament, this vibrant cricketer from Baroda stood tall amidst the chaos.
“Even in that semifinal against England, he came in and gave India some hope with 60 off 33. So that's what he is all about.
“You felt safe when he came to bowl in the last over, he was not going to lose his nerves, he was going to bowl sensibly,” he concluded.
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