During India's victory parade at the packed-out Wankhede stadium in Mumbai earlier today (4 July), fans were heard chanting Hardik Pandya's name.

Hardik Pandya endured a difficult IPL season after taking over Mumbai Indians' captaincy from Rohit Sharma, following his return to the franchise after a successful stint with Gujarat Titans. 

The franchise's decision for Pandya to take over the reins from Mumbai Indians' longest-serving player and enduring captain aggravated some fans, with many responding by booing the all-rounder at every home fixture at the Wankhede. 

The criticism only heightened after Pandya struggled for consistency with both bat and ball in the IPL. He managed just 216 runs from 14 innings at an average of 18, and took his 11 wickets at over 35 a piece, at an economy rate of 10.75. 

However, just over a month after being at the end of unrelenting jeering, Pandya walked out to the same stadium to chants of his name, five days after he defended 16 in the T20 World Cup's final over, to make India the third team, after the West Indies and England, to win the tournament twice. 

Pandya was impressive throughout the T20 World Cup. He was named in Wisden's team of the tournament and has ostensibly won back the support and reverence of the very fans who were jeering him a mere two months ago. 

Watch fans chant 'Hardik, Hardik' at Wankhede during India's T20 World Cup victory celebrations:

 

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