Fans of Sourav Ganguly will see him leading Pune Warriors once again this IPL season with the struggling left-hander announcing that he will captain the side on Sunday against Rajasthan Royals.
Ganguly, under pressure due to his own poor form and team’s pathetic show, rested himself from the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Steven Smith led the side in his place.
Ganguly says he will lead Pune in their next match. AFP
“Well, I have taken a break. It’s been a long time on the road. Just wanted to give an opportunity to the youngsters,” he said when asked why he did not play today’s game.
“I’ll be back for the next game and lead the side,” he said to clear the air if he will get to play at all in the remainder of the IPL.
The team management had said that Ganguly will mentor the side from the next season and speculation was that he has played his last game in this edition.
When quizzed on this talk of mentor’s role he said,” I don’t know. I make the headlines for good or bad things. But that’s way it is. The owners have put in a lot of money and the team has not done well. That’s way it is.”
Ganguly was also asked why young Smith was chosen as captain. ”He’s been with us the whole tournament. He’s led Sydney Sixers to the title in the Big Bash. Clarke has come in just four, five days ago,” he said.
PTI
