'Where is the fun?' - Former India batter Aakash Chopra expects Ahmedabad crowd to boo Hardik Pandya for leaving Gujarat Titans

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has sparked controversy with his latest comments. He suggested that he would like to see new Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya booed by the Ahmedabad crowd. Chopra's remarks are rooted in Pandya's decision to switch his allegiance back to the Mumbai Indians after just two seasons with the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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Chopra expressed his desire for some raw emotions among the Gujarat Titans fans. He stated that witnessing Pandya being booed in Ahmedabad would add an element of fun and intensity to the league. He said, "I want Hardik Pandya to get booed in Ahmedabad. I'll tell you why. The first IPL season was 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," he further added.

Aakash Chopra explains his comments on Hardik Pandya!

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Explaining his comments on Hardik, he said, "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 heartbreak 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," Chopra added.

The controversy stems from the historic trade that brought Hardik Pandya back to the Mumbai Indians from the Gujarat Titans. It marks the end of his two-year association with the latter franchise. Additionally, Pandya was appointed as the captain of the Mumbai Indians, taking over the leadership role from Rohit Sharma. The decision to move Pandya and the subsequent captaincy change in both teams stirred significant discussions within the cricketing community.

Chopra's comments, while provocative, shed light on the emotional and passionate nature of cricket fans, especially when it comes to players switching teams. The transfer marked a significant shift for Pandya, who led the Gujarat Titans to victory in their inaugural IPL season in 2022 and guided them to a consecutive final appearance in 2023.