Hardik Pandya, leading the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season, has encountered a barrage of criticism from fans as his team grapples with a series of defeats since he assumed captaincy from the beloved Rohit Sharma.

The Mumbai Indians, five-time IPL champions, made the controversial decision to replace Rohit Sharma, a revered figure in Mumbai cricket, with Pandya as captain ahead of the current IPL season. Pandya's return from Gujarat to Mumbai, coupled with his immediate elevation to captaincy, has triggered discontent among legions of Rohit fans.

Rohit, a stalwart at 36, retains an iconic status in Mumbai cricket, having led the team to numerous IPL titles since 2013. However, Mumbai's winless streak under Pandya's leadership this season has exacerbated the dissatisfaction among fans.

Pandya's struggles as captain were evident in Mumbai's recent defeat against the Rajasthan Royals, where he faced jeers from home fans right from the toss. Despite Rohit's gestures urging fans to desist, the hostility towards Pandya persisted throughout the match.

The 30-year-old, once touted as a potential successor to Rohit for leading India's T20 team, admitted to the challenges he faced, labeling it a "tough night." However, Pandya, known for his flamboyant persona and affinity for luxury watches, is yet to secure a win for Mumbai, leaving the team languishing at the bottom of the IPL table.

The tense atmosphere surrounding Mumbai Indians contrasts sharply with the smooth transition of leadership witnessed in the Chennai Super Kings. Under the stewardship of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who handed over captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the current IPL edition, Chennai has maintained stability and success.

Despite the contrasting experiences, IPL fans have been urged to exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions. Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle emphasized the need to avoid divisive rivalries, echoing sentiments expressed by Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who called for a more harmonious approach among fans.

While Pandya grapples with mounting pressure and scrutiny, the IPL continues to showcase a mix of intense competition and off-field drama, underscoring the significance of sportsmanship and respect in cricket's premier T20 league.