'I want Hardik Pandya to get booed in Ahmedabad' - Aakash Chopra hopes for crowd uproar when Mumbai meet Gujarat in IPL 2024

The initial phase of IPL 2024 schedule has been unveiled, as the management has decided to roll out 21 matches in first phase. The forthcoming season is set to commence with a thrilling encounter between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and reigning champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic Chepauk Stadium on March 22.

Adding to the fervour, the Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) are poised to clash with Gujarat Titans (GT) in a much-anticipated showdown on March 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This encounter holds particular significance as it marks Pandya's return to his former home ground as the skipper of MI, following his departure from GT.

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has stirred the anticipation by expressing his desire for the Ahmedabad crowd to voice their sentiments by booing Pandya upon his return. Chopra emphasised Pandya's decision to leave GT after two fruitful seasons, during which he led the team to IPL glory in 2022 and a final berth in 2023, culminating in a loss to CSK.

"I want Hardik Pandya to get booed in Ahmedabad. I'll tell you why. First IPL season, Mumbai vs Kolkata. We were playing at the Wankhede Stadium. Ajit Agarkar was in our team and we had to take him off the boundary because he was Mumbai's boy, playing against Mumbai, in Mumbai and getting booed by the Wankhede crowd. So we put him back inside the circle because it was not nice," Chopra said on Jio Cinema as quoted by Hindustan Times.

"Now Hardik Pandya goes to Mumbai after winning the championship once, leading the team to the final the next time. And not just that but choosing to leave the franchise. If there isn't any heartburn in the public of Ahmedabad, if they don't feel hurt, where is the fun? I am expecting. No, I am hoping – don't tell anyone – that Hardik goes for the toss and people go 'Boo'. That's where the league matures," he added.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Why has BCCI announced a partial schedule?

IPL 2024 could be Mumbai’s most challenging season

The trade deal between MI and GT saw Pandya transition back to the Mumbai franchise, prompting a change in leadership as Rohit Sharma steps down to pave the way for Pandya at the helm. In a parallel move, GT has entrusted Shubman Gill with the captaincy reins as they prepare to forge ahead in the tournament. MI's campaign will unfold with a series of challenging encounters, including matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

It is followed by a face-off against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Wankhede Stadium on April 1. The Mumbai outfit is also set to host Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 7. In the meantime, GT will look to make their mark as they lock horns with CSK in Chennai on March 26, followed by encounters against SRH in Ahmedabad on March 31 and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 4, before embarking on a journey to Lucknow.