'World can think what they want to, we as a team were...': Jasprit Bumrah on challenges faced by Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya in IPL

NEW DELHI: Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, recently shared his thoughts on the challenges faced by Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya during the 2024 IPL season in an exclusive interview with The Indian Express. Bumrah discussed the difficulties Pandya encountered and the importance of mental resilience in dealing with criticism and adversity.
Pandya, who assumed the captaincy role from Rohit Sharma just before the season began, was subjected to intense scrutiny and frequent booing from fans, particularly at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Indians' home ground.The team's poor performance, finishing last in the IPL standings with only four wins in 14 matches, further exacerbated the situation.

Bumrah stressed the importance of blocking out negative thoughts, a strategy Pandya employed during the challenging period.
"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 stated. He acknowledged the impact of fan reactions on players, especially when playing in front of a home crowd.

The fast bowler emphasized the difficulty of ignoring negative comments and boos, despite recognizing the necessity to do so.
"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," Bumrah said.
Bumrah highlighted the significance of team support and family during such times. "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."

The Indian pacer also pointed out the dramatic shift in public perception of Pandya following his outstanding performances in the T20 World Cup. However, he cautioned that the narrative could quickly change again with just one loss.
Reflecting on the nature of sports and its emotional highs and lows, Bumrah remarked, "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."
Bumrah concluded by encouraging Pandya and others to take challenges in stride. "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."