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Ashwin has expressed support for Hardik Pandya and criticized the "ugly" fan wars that have seen Pandya facing backlash and booing from some sections of the crowd during Mumbai Indians' matches in IPL 2024. Pandya, who took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma after being traded from the Gujarat Titans, has faced criticism on social media, leading to fan animosity and negativity towards him.
Ashwin emphasized the importance of remembering that players represent their country and called for fan behavior to be respectful and dignified. He highlighted the unique culture of fan wars in Indian cricket and compared it to other countries where such conflicts are rare or non-existent among fans supporting different players.
The offspinner cited examples of previous India captains playing under their successors, emphasizing the continuity and mutual respect within the team despite changes in leadership. He mentioned players like Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli to illustrate how players have transitioned between captaincy roles without causing division or hostility among fans.
Ashwin expressed his desire to see a shift in fan behavior where supporters can appreciate their favorite players without resorting to denigrating others. He called for a culture of respect and appreciation for all players, regardless of personal preferences, and urged fans to avoid putting players down in their enthusiasm for the game.
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