Amidst the Mumbai Indians’ dismal performance in the 2024 Indian Premier League, Kieron Pollard has been “sick and tired” of Hardik Pandya’s criticism.
In the post-match press conference, Mumbai Indians coach Kieron Pollard was forced to defend team captain Hardik Pandya once more. MI lost by a total of 20 runs on Sunday to the Chennai Super Kings, who won by virtue of a late onslaught from MS Dhoni and some excellent bowling from Matheesha Pathirana. Despite only scoring two runs off of six balls with the bat, Hardik, who started bowling again in the game, gave up 43 runs in 3 overs. Fans and analysts were incensed by his lackluster captaincy during the match as well. Still, Pollard sticks up for the “self-assured and hardworking” Hardik.
Pollard unleashed an epic tirade during the press conference, emphasizing that cricket is still a team sport and that it is unfair to single out individual players, particularly Hardik, who is putting in a lot of effort in the background to enhance his game.
“Whether or not it will impact his confidence is unknown. He has been excellent in the group and exudes confidence. There are good days and terrible days in cricket, and I am witnessing someone who is working extremely hard to hone his craft and progress,” Pollard told the reporters following the game.
Pollard did not mince words when he acknowledged that he was sick and tired of people singling out Hardik, a player who will represent the Indian national team in the T20 World Cup 2024 in 6 weeks.
“I’m sick and tired of [us] focusing on individuals; at the end of the day, cricket is a team game. This is a person who will represent his country in less than six weeks, and everyone will be rooting for him to succeed. So it’s time to encourage, stop nitpicking, and see if we can get the most out of one of India’s greatest all-rounders.
The coach went on, “He has an X-factor about him and can bat, bowl, and field.”
“I hope very well deep down within my heart that when he comes out on top, I’ll sit back and watch everyone sing his praises,” he said.
The Mumbai Indians have lost four of their last six games, and they are ranked eighth out of ten teams.
