« Back to article

Print this article

Tendulkar has been reluctant to captain: Ganguly

At a time when retired players like Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Adam Gilchrist are taking up roles as captain-cum-mentors of their respective Indian Premier League (IPL) franchisees, a player very much active on the international circuit doesn't seem too inclined on the same.

Sachin Tendulkar, having led the Mumbai Indians in the first four editions, recently relinquished his role, handing over the leadership to Harbhajan Singh. The Master Blaster reasoned he gave up the responsibility to focus on his batting.

The decision, though a tad surprising, wasn't the least shocking.

"I think it's Sachin's personal decision," said Sourav Ganguly, when asked to comment on Tendulkar's decision.

'Harbhajan has done well as a captain'

The former India captain proceeded to elaborate his explanation.

"We have seen over the years that he has been reluctant to captain," said Ganguly, adding, "Am sure there were offers made to him at various stages to captain India and he always opted against it.

"I think it is completely his decision." Ganguly, who also captained the Kolkata Knight Riders for two seasons, also highlighted another probable reason behind Tendulkar's decision.

"I think it has also got to do a lot with the Champions League, which Harbhajan won for the Mumbai Indians," reasoned Ganguly.

"I think Harbhajan has done well as a captain," he added.

'Yuvraj wasn't well and I had to captain Pune Warriors'

The 39-year-old, who will be captaining the Pune Warriors this season in the absence of Yuvraj Singh, admitted he was initially reluctant to take up the role before opting for it.

"I didn't want to captain Pune Warriors," said Ganguly.

"But, unfortunately, Yuvraj wasn't well and I had to do it," he added.