Mumbai Indians issue stern warning to fans involved in trolling

In a recent development, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have issued a stern caution to fans regarding the online trolling of players amidst the ongoing commotion surrounding Hardik Pandya. The hosts of MI Live delivered a firm message, urging supporters and social media users to abstain from targeting or mocking players. This directive from the IPL franchise emerges amidst the Hardik Pandya-Rohit Sharma saga, where Pandya has been subjected to criticism and trolling by certain MI fans after he was appointed skipper, displacing the esteemed 'Hitman'.

MI took to social media platform X to share a video featuring their host, who fervently implored fans not to engage in such behaviour. Emphasizing their role as mediators between the team and its supporters, they expressed a staunch stance against any form of trolling. The host urged fans to avoid targeting players and explicitly denounced the use of offensive language, citing a particular instance where Pandya, who is a father, was subjected to distasteful remarks on social media.

Here's MI's latest post on 'X':

Move that turned social media unfavourable for MI

Pandya faced the brunt of disappointment from a section of Mumbai Indians supporters following his elevation as skipper, evident in instances of derogatory comments on his social media posts and even the burning of MI jerseys. This move by MI to address online behavior reflects a proactive stance against trolling and emphasizes the need for respectful engagement between fans and players in the cricketing sphere.

The decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain ahead of the IPL 2024 season arrived as a surprise for some, but not entirely unexpected for many. Speculations about Sharma's future in the shortest format had been rife, particularly amplified after the disappointing loss at the 2023 World Cup finals. However, Sharma's declaration of his aspiration to secure the T20 World Cup momentarily eased the uncertainties surrounding his role.