Hardik Pandya has once again become the centre of controversy, this time involving the toxic fanbase of Virat Kohli. Former cricketer and broadcaster Irfan Pathan has found himself on the receiving end, accused of unfairly targeting Hardik in recent discussions.
Irfan Pathan on Hardik Pandya
Irfan, who was removed from the IPL commentary panel after criticism of Pandya, defended his stance in a recent interview. He said his remarks were justified and even softened compared to what he initially wanted to say about Hardik’s performances.
Fans’ Backlash Against Irfan
Following his comments, several Kohli fans launched a fresh attack on Irfan. They claimed he was insensitive to Hardik’s mental condition during that challenging phase and accused him of fuelling unnecessary negativity around the all-rounder.
Past Behaviour of Kohli’s Fanbase
While Irfan’s words may have sounded harsh, critics point out that this section of Kohli’s fanbase has often displayed similar behaviour before. The same group was widely accused of trolling Rohit Sharma mercilessly during his lowest phase back in 2022.
Lack of Empathy in Cricket Fandom
One clear observation is that empathy is often missing in these reactions. Instead of constructive discussion, Kohli’s toxic fans repeatedly display hostility towards players, showing that compassion continues to be absent in sections of Indian cricket fandom.
