IPL 2024 | Pollard on Pandya: “I’m seeing someone who’s working bloody hard”

Kieron Pollard, the batting coach for the Mumbai Indians (MI), stood by captain Hardik Pandya despite his subpar performance in the team’s 20-run loss against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday at Wankhede Stadium.

All-rounder Pandya had a terrible game after being hammered for 26 runs in the 20th over, 20 of which came off the bat of former CSK captain MS Dhoni. Pandya scored a hat-trick of sixes throughout the innings, with his stats reading 3-0-43-2. With CSK leading 206-4, Pandya could muster just two runs in six balls.

Pollard surmised, however, that Pandya’s failure was not the only factor in Sunday’s defeat. There will be days like that for you. I’m tired of focusing just on identifying certain people. As a team sport, cricket is ultimately about teamwork. [Pandya] is a self-assured man. You have good days and terrible days in cricket. During Sunday’s news conference after the game, Pollard said, “I’m seeing an individual who’s working bloody hard to continue his skill and to ply his trade.”

Pollard emphasized Pandya’s X-factor and made a suggestion that he might participate in the June 1–29 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. “In less than six weeks, this person will represent the nation,” the speaker said. We’ll all be rooting for him and hoping for success.

“We need to quit nit-picking and strive to encourage instead. In addition to bowling, he [Pandya] can bat. There’s something special about him. I wish him the best of luck. “I’ll just relax and listen to everyone laud him,” the Trinidadian said.