Sourav Ganguly did not allow me to be traded from Pune Warriors to Chennai Super Kings: Murali Kartik
Former Indian left-arm spinner Murali Kartik has revealed how Sourav Ganguly did not allow the top officials of Pune Warriors India to trade him to the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
In a live chat with Indranil Basu on Sportskeeda Cricket's Facebook page, Murali Kartik spoke about how Sourav Ganguly backed him during his active days as a cricketer. Dada always preferred to have the left-arm spinner in the team, irrespective of whether they were playing at the international level or in the IPL.
He did not allow me to go to CSK: Murali Kartik on Sourav Ganguly
Speaking about the competition that prevailed between the Indian spinners during his time as an active player, Murali Kartik busted the myth that he did not get a place in the team because Sourav Ganguly could play left-arm spin well.
Here's what the cricketer-turned-commentator said:
"If Ganguly played left-arm spinners well, why would I be at KKR for three years?"
He highlighted that Ganguly had the same passion while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL that he had when he donned the blue national jersey. Kartik continued:
"And also, when we came to Pune Warriors, he did not allow me to go to Chennai Super Kings. The year when Ravindra Jadeja went in the transfer window, they asked me, they asked the officials of Pune Warriors, but Dada said 'No, I won't allow you.'"
Murali Kartik further stated that Sourav Ganguly forced him to play against Chennai Super Kings in a league match even though he had a high body temperature.
"Dada has made me play against CSK at Pune. He was insistent that I play, and I hope there is footage of that game where I am playing with a full-sleeves sweater because I was feverish. I've played with a fever. So, that is the case. People falsely say these things," he concluded.