Mumbai Indians’ batting coach, Kieron Pollard, showed unwavering support for Hardik Pandya despite a tough outing in the recent IPL clash, where Chennai Super Kings clinched a 20-run victory. The match at Wankhede Stadium witnessed another thrilling encounter, living up to its reputation as a high-scoring battleground. Pandya faced a challenging moment in the final over, conceding crucial runs to CSK’s MS Dhoni, who unleashed a vintage display of power hitting with three consecutive sixes.
Facing a daunting chase, Pandya stepped up to the plate but fell for a low score as the required run rate soared. Pollard, however, remained bullish about Pandya’s future performance, expressing confidence that the cricket world will soon witness his resurgence. “I see a determined individual striving to improve his game. Cricket is a team sport, and it’s time we support each other rather than criticize,” Pollard remarked during the post-match conference. Pandya has faced setbacks since his return from injury but has shown glimpses of his talent, earning Pollard’s backing for his all-around abilities.
Reflecting on Pandya’s journey, Pollard emphasized the importance of evolution in an athlete’s career, noting the strides Pandya has made in his development. In the match itself, MI opted to bowl first, allowing CSK’s Shivam Dube and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad to shine with notable performances. Despite Rohit Sharma’s valiant effort with the bat, MI fell short of the target set by CSK.
