"Hardik is dealing with mental health issues, for sure" - Robin Uthappa on the negative fan receptions towards MI skipper in IPL 2024

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa feels Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya must be going through mental issues amidst all the negative receptions he is being subjected to from the fans in IPL 2024.

The 30-year-old returned to MI in an off-season trade with Gujarat Titans (GT) and was immediately made captain, replacing long-time skipper Rohit Sharma. It has resulted in Hardik facing boos from the Wankhede crowd and MI fans around the country.

Speaking on the BeerBiceps YouTube channel, Uthappa sympathized with Hardik and called out the fans for their untoward behavior.

"This guy knows... he's well aware of the mocking, trolling, the memes about his fitness. You don't think it hurts him? It hurts any human being. How many people know the reality of it? Hardik is dealing with mental health issues, for sure. We, as people, I understand are emotional. But it is not right to impose this kind of treatment on any human being. It is unbecoming as a society for us to do that to someone and be okay with it. We should not be laughing on it, should not be forwarding it," said Uthappa.

"He has the caliber to be an all-time great for the Indian team. He was let go by the team who discovered him, he went to another franchise. After winning 3-4 titles with them, he left. He must have felt a little bad; that will be there. He went to GT, won a title, and finished runners-up in another. Then the conversation began," he added.

Further worsening matters is Hardik's sub-par form with bat and ball and several questionable captaincy moves in MI's first seven outings.

The talented all-rounder averages under 24 with the bat at a strike rate of 146.87. His bowling numbers are no better, with an average of over 41 and a dismal economy rate of 11.

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"We are willing to tear a person down to his foundation for the sake of a few memes, laughs, and money" - Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa criticized the fans for tearing down Hardik Pandya and felt there was nothing wrong with him wanting to maximize his career by returning to MI.

After seven years with MI from 2015 to 2021, the talismanic all-rounder led GT for two seasons in 2022 and 2023. During his tenure, GT won the title in the first year and finished runners-up in the next.

"We are willing to tear a person down to his foundation for the sake of a few memes, laughs, and money. These are the things that he's going through, he said okay, if I'm coming back to MI... is that wrong? Just from his perspective... is that wrong? He said I want a good deal. Is that wrong? Athletes have very short careers. They want to maximize it. From his perception, he's right. He wants to win with Mumbai Indians, that's why he's come back," said Uthappa.

Hardik's tenure as MI skipper started with a hattrick of defeats to GT, SRH, and RR, leading to heightened criticisms.

However, the side has bounced back strongly since, winning three out of their last four games to be sixth on the points table with six points from seven games.