Mumbai Indians‘ batting coach Kieron Pollard has come out in strong support of under-fire captain Hardik Pandya, following another disappointing loss for the team in the IPL 2024 season. Despite a valiant effort from Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings emerged victorious, with Pandya facing criticism for his performance in the match.
Pollard, speaking after Mumbai’s fourth loss in six outings, expressed his confidence in Pandya, stating, “I am fed up of [us] looking to pinpoint individuals; cricket is a team game at the end of the day.” He emphasized that Pandya is a confident player who is working hard to improve his skills and contribute to the team.
Regarding Pandya’s bowling in the final over, where he conceded 26 runs to MS Dhoni, Pollard said, “In cricket, you have good days and bad days.” He highlighted Pandya’s all-round abilities and expressed his hope that fans would support and encourage him rather than criticize.
Pandya, returning from an ankle injury suffered during the ODI World Cup last year, has faced jeers from fans in various venues, including Mumbai, where he previously played for the Mumbai Indians. Despite scoring 131 runs at a strike rate of 145.55 and picking up three wickets in the current season, Pandya’s form has been a concern for the team.
Pollard talks about Hardik Pandya’s evolution
Pollard acknowledged that as players evolve, they must adapt to new challenges. He stated, “As an individual, you have to evolve. When you are young, you have the youthful exuberance. You go out and do things in a certain manner. The older you get, accountability and responsibility kick in.”
Former Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody also weighed in on Pandya’s situation, stating, “As good a player Hardik Pandya is, he has got to earn the respect of the dressing room and his fans.” Moody highlighted the importance of support from experienced players and the coaching staff in helping Pandya overcome his current challenges.
Despite the criticism, Pollard and others in the cricketing community remain confident that Pandya will bounce back and prove his critics wrong. As Mumbai Indians look to turn their season around, all eyes will be on Hardik Pandya as he seeks to rediscover his form and lead his team to victory in the IPL 2024 season.
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