Mumbai: Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya has voiced his disappointment over home fans cheering for opposition teams during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, admitting that it “hurts” to hear rival chants at the Wankhede Stadium.
The remarks came after MI suffered yet another defeat at home, this time against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), despite posting a massive total. The loss further dented their campaign, leaving them ninth on the points table with just two wins from eight matches.
Hardik turns focus to crowd support
After the match, Hardik reflected not only on the team’s on-field struggles but also on the changing atmosphere in the stands. While acknowledging the loyalty of MI supporters, he admitted that the growing support for opposition teams has been noticeable.
“Yes, I think we have not given them much opportunity to back us. But they have been quite fantastic and loyal. Sometimes it hurts when the opposition team comes and they start chanting their names,” Hardik said.
He added that the responsibility lies with the team to deliver performances that win back the crowd’s trust and enthusiasm.
“We need to entertain them more to make sure we get that love and trust from them,” he noted.
Poor form affecting fan sentiment
Hardik’s comments reflect a broader reality of MI’s underwhelming season. The five-time champions have struggled to find consistency, and their performances at home have failed to inspire confidence among supporters.
In such situations, crowd dynamics often shift, especially in a tournament like the IPL where star players from across teams enjoy strong fan followings. Matches at Wankhede this season have seen louder cheers for visiting teams than usual, something rarely associated with MI’s home ground.
The clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier in the season had already highlighted this trend, with chants for the opposition clearly audible.
High-scoring game ends in disappointment
Against SRH, MI appeared to have done enough with the bat after posting a formidable 243. Ryan Rickelton led the charge with a stunning unbeaten 123, anchoring the innings with authority.
He was well supported by Will Jacks, who contributed 42 runs, while Hardik added a quickfire 30. Despite the strong total, there was a sense that MI could have pushed further, especially on a batting-friendly Wankhede pitch.
SRH pull off record chase
However, SRH produced a clinical batting display to chase down 244 without panic, registering the highest successful run chase at the venue.
Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma set the tone early with an aggressive start, putting MI’s bowlers under immediate pressure. The momentum continued through the middle overs, with Heinrich Klaasen ensuring there was no let-up in scoring.
The lack of breakthroughs proved costly for MI, as their bowling attack failed to build any sustained pressure throughout the innings.
Bowling concerns deepen
One of the major concerns for MI was the ineffective performance of their bowling unit. Even spearhead Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless, conceding 54 runs in his spell, reflecting the struggles of the entire attack.
There were few moments where MI looked capable of turning the game around, as SRH maintained control of the chase from start to finish.
The inability to defend a total as high as 243 will raise serious questions about MI’s bowling strategies and execution going forward.
Season slipping away for MI
With just two wins in eight matches, MI’s campaign is now under significant pressure. The team will need a strong turnaround in the remaining fixtures to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Hardik’s remarks about fan support underline the growing frustration within the camp, as both performances and morale face increasing scrutiny.
Conclusion
Hardik Pandya’s candid comments highlight the emotional side of a struggling campaign, where even home support is no longer guaranteed. While the captain acknowledged the fans’ loyalty, he made it clear that performances on the field must improve to restore confidence. For MI, the road ahead will require not just better results, but a renewed connection with their supporters at Wankhede.