'Not his fault for replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians captain': Ganguly reprehends fans for booing Hardik Pandya

Mumbai: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Saturday reprehended the fans booing Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya, saying it is not the fault of the player if he has replaced much-loved Rohit Sharma, who shepherded the team in previous seasons.

Pandya has been at the receiving end of the fans’ anger ever since Mumbai Indians announced that he will captain the five-time champions.

The India all-rounder was booed in the first game that he played as MI skipper upon his return at the home ground of his previous franchise Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.

The trend continued when Pandya went to Hyderabad to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad and much to the surprise of many, the 29-year-old was booed when Mumbai Indians played their first home match of the season against Rajasthan Royals.

“I don’t think they should boo Hardik Pandya. It’s not correct,” Ganguly told the media here during Delhi Capitals’ training session at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

“It’s not correct. 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.

Mumbai Indians will take on Delhi Capitals on Sunday afternoon here.