Sourav Ganguly, former captain of Indian Cricket team, on Saturday, April 6, responded to the supporters booing Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya by stating that it is not the player’s fault if he replaced team’s former captain Rohit Sharma. “I don’t think they should boo Hardik Pandya. It’s not correct,” Ganguly told the media here during Delhi Capitals’ (DC) training session at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, April 6.
Ever since the Mumbai Indians revealed that Pandya will captain the five-time champions, the supporters have been furious with Pandya. In his first match back as captain of MI, the India all-rounder was booed at the home ground of his former team, Gujarat Titans (GT), in Ahmedabad. The trend continued when Pandya went to Hyderabad to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SH) and much to the surprise of many, the 29-year-old was booed when MI played their first home match of the season against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Ganguly further added that it is not correct as the franchisee has appointed him as captain. “That’s what happens in sport. Whether you captain India or you captain a state or whether you captain your franchise, you are appointed as captain.
“He’s (been) appointed captain. Obviously, with Rohit Sharma he’s a different class. His performance for this franchise, his performance for India has been at a different level as captain and as a player,” the Director of Cricket for Delhi Capitals said. “But then it’s not Hardik’s fault that he’s been appointed as captain. All of us need to understand that,” he added.
(With inputs from PTI)