WATCH: Lasith Malinga gets off his seat to make way for Hardik Pandya, video goes viral

Ahead of the Indian Premier League 2024, Mumbai Indians replaced Hardik Pandya as the captain in place of their long-time skipper Rohit Sharma. Since then, fans and cricket pundits have voiced various opinions, and the new captain has been facing a lot of booing on the field, as well as netizens taking no stones unturned to troll Pandya. Some videos of MI camp have been doing rounds on social media, where people have pointed out a change in the atmosphere for the five-time winning franchise.

Also Read: 'If whole team is playing with strike rate of 200, captain can’t bat with 120' - Irfan Pathan criticizes Hardik Pandya's subpar knock against SRH

Recently, during the game between MI and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai's pace bowling coach Lasith Malinga and batting coach Kieron Pollard were sitting in the dugout. However, as soon as Pandya came towards them, the Sri Lankan got off his seat and went towards the dressing room, indicating a possible rift between Malinga and the Baroda-born. The video of the same has gone viral on social media, with people reacting differently to the same.

Watch the viral video here:

All eyes on Hardik's captaincy

Amid a couple of losses on the trot, Hardik Pandya has been facing a lot of criticism from fans and cricket pundits alike. As a result, a lot of eyeballs will be on the Baroda-born for MI's upcoming fixtures in the coveted tournament. Many have suggested Hardik to tweak the bowling unit a bit, in order to perfect a formidable squad that the five-time champions boast.

In the next clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Hardik will be expected to come a lot stronger and lead his team to winning ways after a sedated start to the seventeenth edition of the cash-rich event. Notably, the RR encounter is scheduled to be played at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Monday, April 01.