I have played nearly 500 games; can speak to any any player, be it Iyer or Virat Kohli: Sourav Ganguly

Ahead of the Delhi Capitals’ first game, their skipper Shreyas Iyer had spoken about the contribution of the head coach Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly in helping him evolve as a player. Ganguly, now BCCI President, was the mentor of DC team last year. However, Iyer’s comments raised a few eyebrows and many alleged Ganguly of conflict of interest of being with an IPL team while he is the BCCI President.

The man himself has now hit back at the critics reminding them that he has played nearly 500 matches for India. He has also stated that he has the right to speak to any young player, be it Shreyas Iyer or Virat Kohli, having represented his country at the highest level. Sourav Ganguly has also denied any conflict of interest and has also given his thoughts about the unnecessary controversy.

“I helped him (Iyer) last year. I may be the Board president, but don’t forget that I’ve played 500 matches (424 matches) for India, so I can speak to a young player and help him, be it Shreyas Iyer or Virat Kohli. If they want help, I can,” he was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Shreyas Iyer had also cleared the air earlier

Even Shreyas Iyer had also cleared the air earlier after he understood about a possible controversy after taking Sourav Ganguly’s name in helping him. While he didn’t directly say anything, but the words cleared that his tweet was related to conflict of interest itself.

“As a young captain, I am thankful to Ricky and Dada for being a part of my journey as a cricketer and captain last season. My comment …… was to emphasise my gratitude towards the role they both have played in my personal growth as a captain,” Iyer had tweet earlier.

Meanwhile, Iyer is in the UAE leading the Delhi Capitals very well while Sourav Ganguly is also in the same country looking after the proceedings. He was seen watching the matches in the stadium along with the BCCI secretary Jay Shah.