The batting coach of Mumbai Indians, Kieron Pollard, expressed his frustration with the tendency to single out individuals for the team's losses, particularly highlighting the criticism aimed at captain Hardik Pandya after their recent defeat to Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Despite Pandya facing scrutiny for his performance, which included conceding 26 runs in the final over to MS Dhoni, Pollard emphasized the team nature of cricket and urged fans to refrain from nitpicking.
Acknowledging Pandya's tough outing, Pollard defended him, citing cricket's fluctuating nature where players experience both highs and lows. He emphasized Pandya's confidence and dedication to improving his skills, reminding everyone of his potential selection for India's T20 World Cup squad.
Pollard, a revered figure in the Mumbai Indians setup himself, called for support and encouragement for Pandya, highlighting his all-round abilities and X factor. He dismissed the criticism aimed at Pandya, including remarks from former England captain Kevin Pietersen, as part of the evolution process every player goes through.
Reflecting on the match and Pandya's performance, Pollard stressed the need for evolution and adaptation in cricket, especially as players mature and take on more responsibilities within the team. He acknowledged Dhoni's prowess but also emphasized the deeper analysis the team undergoes to improve collectively.
Pollard concluded by underlining the importance of planning and execution against key players like Dhoni, Kohli, Sharma, and Pandya, suggesting that while results may not always go as planned, the team's focus remains on continuous improvement and learning from their experiences.
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