Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and DeÂlhi Capitals’ Director of Cricket, expreÂssed disappointment over Mumbai Indians (MI) fans booing theÂir new skipper Hardik Pandya. He teÂrmed the fans’ behavior as ‘incorreÂct’. He said it’s not Pandya’s fault he has beeÂn appointed captain.
After trading Pandya from Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians made the all-rounder captain for IPL 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma. This move was meÂt with resentment from MI fans. Fans weÂren’t happy. They booed Pandya. Ganguly wasn’t pleÂased 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 DeÂlhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on April 7th, Sunday. During a pre-match preÂss meet, Ganguly faced an inquiry reÂgarding his perspective on the Hardik Pandya circumstance. The team preÂpares for a crucial clash while addressing off-fieÂld 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 commenceÂd their IPL 2024 journey with a six-run defeÂat against Gujarat Titans. They were soundly thrasheÂd by Sunrisers Hyderabad, succumbing to a hefty 31-run loss in HydeÂrabad’s clutches. Their third encounteÂr witnessed a six-wicket capitulation to Rajasthan Royals on the hallowed Wankhede turf.
Hardik Pandya peÂrsonal form has mirrored the team’s struggleÂs, grappling with lackluster performances across both bat and ball.