Mumbai Indians played their first game of the season against Rajasthan on Monday, with the fans displaying their loyalty towards Rohit, the franchise’s former skipper, clearly from the outset. New captain Hardik Pandya was first booed at the toss, a reception that followed him throughout the game. Loud jeers followed every time Hardik was shown on the big screen or whenever he fielded the ball. The chants of ‘Rohit Sharma’ could be heard throughout the game as well as the supporters made their displeasure known about the last-minute replacement that saw India’s current all-format skipper being replaced by Hardik after 11 seasons of leading the franchise.

Another incident that showed how the fans adore Rohit was when a supporter ran into the ground towards the opener, who was fielding at first slip. Initially unaware of the incoming fan, Rohit was left terrified and ran away from him, who had his hands spread out in a bid to hug the player. Rohit reluctantly hugged the fan and pushed him away, who then went to shake hands with and hug the wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, which forced Rohit to smile.

The jubilant fan was then escorted away by the security personnel.

Mumbai, who have lost their first two games of the season, struggled in their third game as well. Rohit was out for a first-ball duck against Rajasthan.

Earlier in the season, a fan had invaded the pitch during a game featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru, going onto hug Virat Kohli, who was batting at the time.

Watch the incident here:

A fan entered into the ground & hugged Rohit Sharma in Wankhede…!!!!pic.twitter.com/tWDVtfQYmD

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 1, 2024