Sourav Ganguly, a former India skipper, claimed it’s unfair to compare Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni, claiming the latter’s captaincy experience is unparalleled.
Rishabh Pant was chastised for his captaincy during Delhi Capitals’ final league match against Mumbai Indians. In a difficult chase against Mumbai Indians’ big-hitter Tim David, wicketkeeper and captain Pant made a tactical blunder by failing to use the Decision Review System.
Ultra Edge replays revealed David had edged Shardul Thakur’s delivery early in his innings, however, the review was not taken despite Pant’s teammates’ pleas. David then went on to perform. a match-winning 34 off 11 deliveries.
Everybody Is Human: Sourav Ganguly On Rohit Sharma’s and Virat Kohli’s Form
The fate of the Delhi Capitals was in their own hands, as a win over the Mumbai Indians would have put them in the playoffs, but Pant’s gaffe was considered one of the key reasons for their early exit. Pant’s captaincy has been questioned after DC has let go of crucial situations on multiple occasions this season.
“Don’t compare Pant with MS Dhoni. Dhoni has so much experience, has captained in 500-plus games in IPL, Tests and ODIs. So it’s not fair for Rishabh to be compared with Dhoni,” Ganguly said, as quoted by the PTI.
Meanwhile, Ganguly backed Rohit Sharma, saying there’s no need to be concerned about the India captain’s form or leadership abilities after the Mumbai Indians were relegated.
The five-time IPL champion Mumbai Indians skipper had a poor season, scoring 268 runs from 14 innings at an average of 19.14 and a mediocre strike rate of 120.17 as his team ended last in the standings.
“Everybody is human. There will be mistakes but Rohit’s record as captain is outstanding. Five IPL titles, Asia Cup winner, he has won whatever he has captained, so his record as captain is outstanding. Mistakes will happen because they are all human,” Ganguly said.
Kohli’s match-winning fifty against Gujarat Titans in RCB’s final league game, according to Ganguly, is a much-needed confidence boost for the former India captain.