Mumbai Indians (MI) batting coach Kieron Pollard is 'sick and fed up' of critics blaming Hardik Pandya for every loss. Hardik had a forgettable day at the office against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). First, he was smashed for three consecutive sixes in the final over. Then, he could score just two runs from six balls when MI needed boundaries in the run chase.
Pollard wants people to back Hardik as he pointed out his qualities. He also made it a point to say that the all-rounder will be playing for T20 World Cup 2024 in West Indies and the USA and the same people will ‘singing his praises’.
"I don't know if it will affect his confidence. He is a confident guy, he has been great around the group In cricket, you have good days and bad days and I am seeing an individual who is working bloody hard to improve his skills and plying his trade," Pollard said after MI’s 20-run loss to CSK.
"I am sick and fed up looking to pinpoint individuals; cricket is a team game at the end of the day. This is an individual that is going to represent the country in less than six weeks' time, and you all are going to cheer him and want him to do well when the time comes. So high time we try to encourage and stop nitpicking and see if we can get the best out of one of the great allrounders India has produced. He can bat, bowl and field, and has a X-factor about him. 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."
'Accountability and responsibility'
Hardik's former MI teammate says that he is evolving as a player as he is now accountable and responsible. Also, he admitted that Hardik makes mistakes like everyone else but his hard work will play off.
"As an individual you have to evolve. When you are young, you have the youthful exuberance. You go out and do things in a certain manner. The older you get, accountability and responsibility kick in," said the former West Indies’ captain.
"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 and [players] are going to make mistakes as you go along, as we all have done. The individual has put in the work and hard work pays off. So, all of us will be singing his praises when time comes."
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