R Ashwin has stepped up to defend Hardik Pandya, the newly appointed captain of Mumbai Indians, amidst a wave of harsh criticism from fans following his takeover from Rohit Sharma. The veteran spinner expressed his support for Pandya, condemning the relentless targeting the player has faced since assuming the captaincy role.
Ashwin attributed this negative treatment to what he termed as the ‘cinema culture,’ suggesting that societal expectations and comparisons stemming from popular culture have contributed to the harsh scrutiny faced by Pandya. In voicing his support, Ashwin sought to highlight the importance of backing players during transitional phases in their careers, emphasizing the need for a more supportive and understanding fanbase.
