IPL 2024: Sourav Ganguly backs Hardik Pandya, says ‘fans shouldn’t boo’ MI skipper

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Sunday (April 7) will see a bottom of the table clash as five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) host Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Wankhede Stadium. Both teams will come with low confidence into the game, which is a repeat of the 2020 IPL final. Mumbai have lost all three matches so far while DC have one win. Ahead of the clash in Mumbai, DC’s Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly shared his opinion on Hardik Pandya, who has been facing the backlash of fans.

Ganguly opines on Hardik

"Fans shouldn't 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," Ganguly said in the pre-match press conference.

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"But T20 is such a format that sometimes you get into this situation, where you lose a couple of games and then find a way to get back. It's going to be a good game tomorrow. We will compete, we are a good team as well, we have some quality players. It's not Hardik's fault that he has been appointed as captain," he concluded.

Delhi Capitals are likely to be without Kuldeep Yadav for the clash as he suffers with a groin niggle. According to Espncricinfo, Kuldeep has been advised to not play in the upcoming match against the Mumbai Indians so that he could be fit for future matches. In his two matches so far, he ended with figures of 2/20 against Punjab Kings and 1/41 against Rajasthan Royals.

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However, since the latter game, he has not made it to the squad and was not unavailable as an impact substitute as well. This clearly indicated that Kuldeep is not one hundred per cent for the 2020 IPL runners-up.

DC’s only win this season came against defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday. Since then they have lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a humiliating display in Vizag. DC were beaten by 106 runs and gave away 272 runs while fielding.

However, Sunday’s clash will be a perfect fit for them as they take on an MI side yet to win this season.