Fans shouldn’t boo Hardik Pandya, says Ganguly

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.