Ahead of the IPL clash between Delhi and Mumbai Delhi's Director of Cricket, Sourav Ganguly, urged fans not to boo their new captain, Hardik Pandya. Ganguly, a former Indian captain, believes that fans should not compare Hardik to Mumbai's longtime skipper, Rohit Sharma. Since taking over as captain, Hardik has faced intense criticism and backlash from fans for replacing Rohit Sharma.
Under the leadership of the new captain, Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians have struggled in the early stages of IPL 2024, losing their first three matches. Mumbai will be hoping for a friendlier crowd in their upcoming clash with Rishabh Pant's team in Mumbai.
In the pre-match press conference, Sourav Ganguly urged MI fans to behave respectfully towards Hardik:
"Fans should refrain from booing Hardik Pandya as it is unfair to single him out. While Rohit Sharma’s performance has been exemplary, Hardik’s appointment as captain is the franchise’s decision, not his own.”
In contrast, Delhi Capitals have struggled in IPL 2024, having won only one game this season. Although captain Rishabh Pant has returned to form, there has been little for the team to celebrate.