Footballers are often subjected to worse treatment, but Hardik Pandya may be the first Indian cricketer to face sustained hostility from crowds over a perceived misdeed. Due to his transfer from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians during the IPL off-season, Hardik has been subjected to abuse by the partisan Gujarat crowd in Ahmedabad, booed by the neutral crowd in Hyderabad, and now faces the prospect of a partisan Mumbai crowd possibly not accepting him as their captain and making their feelings known.
Hardik is an ambitious Indian cricketer who excels at both seam-bowling and all-round performance at an international standard when fit. However, his ambition has not been well-received by some fans. While it is important to avoid viewing fans as a homogenised unit, it is worth considering Hardik's perspective. Some fans demand loyalty from him, while others direct casteist slurs at him due to his dark skin and flamboyant appearance. Some fans do both.
There is no precedent in Indian cricket for such widespread hostility. Therefore, there is no manual for Hardik on how to deal with this interesting phase of his career.
The BCCI should be pleased that such strong loyalties have been formed, despite the frequent auctions that can discourage connections between fans and players representing their cities. It is disheartening to see evidence that those in Gujarat feel betrayed by a player who was bought for an exorbitant price and then sold for an even higher amount. Mumbai fans believe that their beloved captain, Rohit Sharma, has been usurped in a coup, despite his and his team's mediocre performance over the last three years. The IPL's ability to move people is undeniable.
While some of the outrage may be performative, intended only for attention, notoriety, or even seemingly harmless laughs, it is important to consider the impact on cricketers who are accustomed to receiving love and adoration. Such adoration has become a necessity for some of them. The shock of the situation can be extreme. As R Ashwin's comments suggest, cricket is primarily an international sport. Players see themselves as India cricketers first and then as IPL franchise representatives.
It can affect even the toughest individuals, including those who appear stronger than Hardik. At first glance, it may seem that Hardik will easily overcome this challenge. This is due to his nonchalant attitude towards the outcome, as demonstrated after the thrilling match against Pakistan in Melbourne during the last T20 World Cup in 2022. He mentioned overcoming his fear of failure, and I jokingly asked how he would have reacted if they had lost the match.
Given how fragile his body has been, Hardik may find it easier to philosophize setbacks now. Even a seemingly manageable strain when trying to field a ball in your follow-through can put you out for six months, leaving you with a lot of free time to question your philosophies.
If there is no heat on him inside the change room, selection meetings, and among former cricketers, Hardik will probably be able to brush off such vitriol. Unfortunately, decision-makers are frustrated that Hardik does not play enough. Some colleagues have questioned why he stayed in the 'A' category of contracts despite playing so little cricket when two of his colleagues were denied retainers. Some pundits' criticism seems like the closing of ranks by veterans against someone who doesn't fit their template of an India cricketer. It's unsettling when casual fans start to talk about these things.
After playing in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, Hardik will now face one of the most unforgiving crowds in India at the Wankhede Stadium. Although there is no guarantee that Hardik will be booed by the Mumbai Indians faithful, the fans there have a history of not sparing even Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli in the past.
Hardik's reaction to this hostility could determine his and Mumbai Indians' season. The connection between a fan and a live performer remains strong, even with the presence of public relations and stage management. Kohli may divide opinions, but at the stadium, it is impossible not to connect with his boundless energy, unwavering competitive spirit, and his ability to enjoy the moment. Authenticity is key when performing in front of a live audience.
Hardik can win over fans during this challenging period by being true to himself and delivering strong performances. It's like a WWE wrestler in a heel phase - be so good at being bad that people start to like you, even if begrudgingly or perversely.