Virat Kohli Defends Hardik Pandya, Urges Wankhede Crowd to Support Indian All-rounder

Virat Kohli has warmly backed Hardik Pandya, the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain who has urged Mumbai fans to stop hissing and channeling against the Mumbai Indians skipper on Thursday. Though Rohit Sharma's wicket was captured, this didn't please Kohli because he asked the audience to cheer for Sharma as opposed to booing and taunting the teams especially when they lost the match. It became a viral sensation among users, who expressed gratitude for what he did for the lady.

Virat Kohli makes MI fans remember Pandya was playing for India also:

When Hardik came out to bat, the Mumbai Paltan was not made to receive an unwelcoming reception as Kohli asked the Wankhede crowd to applaud their team's captain instead. 

The incredible gesture from Kohli to calm down the crowd became a viral point among the fans. Additionally, followers of the game could not get over Kohli on social media, marveling at his sportsmanship. Experiencing an exhilarating finish at a near full-house Wankhede, Panda smacked a six to help Mumbai claim IPL victory in Mumbai.

Virat Kohli sparks in the minds of MI fans, " Hardik Pandya plays for India", - thereby passionately rooting for their team.

For the first time, Hardik was booed when he came to bowl in the RCB innings but the lowest audience reaction came when he came on to bat after Rohit was dismissed. Though Rohit's every shot was received by throngs of spectators with applause, Hardik did not get much support from the crowd as he struggled to find appreciation.

How did Hardik do against the Royals?

• Hardik maintained his undefeated score of 21 off just 6 balls.
• while batting at a strike rate of 350.00, ensuring Mumbai finished ahead of Bengaluru.
• Rapid strikes from Surya kumar Yadav (52) and Ishan Kishan (69) put MI in position to defeat RCB with ease.
• With their second victory of the IPL 2024, Hardik and company finished the 197-run chase in 15.3 overs.
• In the RCB innings, captain Pandya let up 13 runs in one over of bowling.
• In the MI pacer's five-wicket destruction performance against the RCB, Rohit Sharma lifts Jasprit Bumrah and takes Chahal's Purple Cap.