While it is understandable that fans may have their preferences, booing a player from their team is just not done. And while the bad old days when players’ homes used to get attacked following poor performances are, mercifully, behind us, there is no denying social media is a different beast these days.

Indeed, even as all seemed well at the Wankhede, there was still a fair amount of trolling of Hardik Pandya on social media even on Sunday, as the skipper put in a slightly underwhelming show with the bat, individually.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.84%

AAP 41.79%

INC 25.37%

Submit

View All In Poll

The current controversy is also as good a time as any for players, who look to social media to develop their brand equity, to understand that sentiments could as easily swing against them. All they can do is to become mentally tougher to take both bouquets and brickbats with equanimity. Easier said than done, but it is the only thing that will help them perform well, which is the only way to win back favour of fans.