Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and Delhi Capitals’ Director of Cricket, expressed disappointment over Mumbai Indians (MI) fans booing their new skipper Hardik Pandya. He termed the fans’ behavior as ‘incorrect’. He said it’s not Pandya’s fault he has been appointed captain.
After trading Pandya from Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians made the all-rounder captain for IPL 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma. This move was met with resentment from MI fans. Fans weren’t happy. They booed Pandya. Ganguly wasn’t pleased with this reaction.
However, the disappointment intensified when Pandya was booed by supporters during MI’s first game against GT in Ahmedabad. The inappropriate behavior has continued into MI’s subsequent games.
The Mumbai Indians squad confronts Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on April 7th, Sunday. During a pre-match press meet, Ganguly faced an inquiry regarding his perspective on the Hardik Pandya circumstance. The team prepares for a crucial clash while addressing off-field matters.
“I don’t think they (fans) should boo Hardik Pandya, it’s not correct. The franchise has appointed him captain. That’s what happens in sports, whether you captain India or you captain your franchise, you are appointed as captain.”
Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly added:
“Rohit Sharma is a different class. His performance for this franchise, his performance for India, has been on a different level, as captain and as a player. It’s not Hardik’s fault that he has been appointed as captain.”
Sourav Ganguly
The MI versus DC match on Sunday will feature the two clubs at the bottom of the IPL 2024 points table. While the Delhi Capitals have two points from four games, one victory and three losses, the Mumbai Indians are yet to score after three games.
Hardik Pandya has struggled to make an impact as captain and player for MI
After a great two-year run with GT, Pandya has struggled to make the same effect as captain with the Mumbai Indians. Several analysts have questioned his on-field techniques.
Mumbai Indians commenced their IPL 2024 journey with a six-run defeat against Gujarat Titans. They were soundly thrashed by Sunrisers Hyderabad, succumbing to a hefty 31-run loss in Hyderabad’s clutches. Their third encounter witnessed a six-wicket capitulation to Rajasthan Royals on the hallowed Wankhede turf.
Hardik Pandya personal form has mirrored the team’s struggles, grappling with lackluster performances across both bat and ball.