'We as a team were talking to him' - Jasprit Bumrah lauds Hardik Pandya for turning jeers into cheers

Jasprit Bumrah spoke about Hardik Pandya's tumultuous times during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, when he was receiving immense hate from the fans, and praised his remarkable comeback during last month's T20 World Cup.

Hardik returned to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024 and saw the fans turning on him when he replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain of the five-time champions. The Baroda all-rounder was booed in every stadium he went to during the 17th edition of the cash-rich league and it kind of impacted his performance on the field. Mumbai Indians finished at the foot of the table under his leadership and his individual performance wasn't up to the mark. However, during the subsequent T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, Hardik produced a comeback for the ages and played a pivotal role in India's triumphant campaign.

Bumrah, who was closely associated with Hardik on his journey of redemption, admitted that being an India player and facing constant criticism from Indian fans is difficult to handle. The star pacer said it is important to avoid the outside noise as much as possible.

“We understand (that) we live in a country where emotion is really the talking point. It's an emotion-driven country. We understand that fans do get emotional, and players are also emotional,” Bumrah said in an interview with The Indian Express.

"It does affect that you're an India player, and you're playing in India, and your own fans are speaking that about you. But it is the way it is. You've got to take it on your chin. How can you go out there and stop people? If you start focussing on yourself, you try to shut that door,” he added.

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If you start focussing on yourself, you try to shut that door: Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah, who was adjudged Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup 2024, said that the players stood in solidarity with Hardik during his tough phase.

"It's not that simple saying 'just don't focus on it.' They're screaming, and you can hear it, but then, the inner circle helps you. We, as a team, don't encourage that, we don't promote that, we don't think that is warranted. Now, the world can think what they want to. We as a team were talking to him, if he needed support, his family will always be there. Certain things are beyond your control. If it happens, it happens," Bumrah stated.

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With his scintillating performance in the T20 World Cup, Hardik managed to turn his haters into his fans. However, Bumrah suggested that his India and Mumbai Indians teammate shouldn't take it too seriously as things could go downhill once again with one bad result.

"Now, that narrative has changed since we won the World Cup. You cannot take it seriously. Because, again, the people are singing praises. It doesn't mean it's the be-all and the end-all. A few days later, if we lose another game, the narrative can change. You understand it is how it is," the 30-year-old said.

"You understand it now, because we play a sport that is so popular, every sportsman will go through these things. In football, you see fans booing the best players in the world. This is a part of the sportsman's journey, things will happen that are not great, sometimes, it might not be fair also, but it is the way it is. We have had a great life, we're doing good things in our sport and for ourselves. All these challenges will come, but it will be better if you take it in the right manner,” he ended.