Mumbai Indians’ Pollard Defends Hardik Pandya Amidst Criticism
Mumbai Indians’ batting coach and former all-rounder Kieron Pollard has staunchly defended Hardik Pandya following the team’s IPL match against Chennai Super Kings. Pandya faced significant scrutiny for his performance, but Pollard rallied behind his teammate, emphasizing the importance of team unity and support.
“I am sick and fed up looking to pinpoint individuals; cricket is a team game at the end of the day,” Pollard stated after the match. He expressed confidence in Pandya’s abilities and highlighted his crucial role in the upcoming T20 World Cup for India.
Pollard acknowledged Pandya’s recent struggles and the public’s expectations, but stressed the importance of evolution in a player’s career. “As an individual you have to evolve,” he remarked. “The older you get, accountability and responsibility kick in.”
Despite Pandya’s recent challenges, Pollard remains optimistic about his future contributions, citing his hard work and commitment to improvement. “What I am seeing is the guy is evolving. We, as individuals, want to see certain things but sometimes the game does not demand certain things,” Pollard noted.
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup, Pollard anticipates a shift in public sentiment towards Pandya. “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.
Pollard’s defense of Pandya underscores the importance of team unity and support, especially in the face of adversity. It also highlights the need for patience and understanding as players navigate the challenges of their careers.
