Hardik Pandya’s debut with the Mumbai Indians hasn’t exactly been ideal; in fact, it hasn’t really come close. Looking past the jeers from the home and away audience, the points table isn’t a good sight either. Mumbai Indians have only won two of their last six games, and they are mired in third place.
With just 131 runs in six games, even Hardik the batter seemed to have lost his touch. Even worse, Hardik the bowler has only taken three wickets so far this year. Another example might be MS Dhoni’s penultimate over, in which he gave up three consecutive sixes.
However, MI batting coach Kieron Pollard is all for Hardik and is eager for “everyone to sing his praises”.
“I’m not sure if that will impact his self-assurance. “He is a self-assured individual who has demonstrated greatness within the group,” Pollard said in Mumbai following MI’s loss to CSK.
“In cricket, there are good days and bad days, and I am witnessing a person who is putting in a lot of effort to advance his abilities and pursue his career. Deep down, I really hope that when he wins, I can just watch from a distance as everyone applauds him.”
With so much criticism directed towards Hardik, Pollard asked everyone to “stop nitpicking” and just be with people.
“I’m tired of trying to identify specific people,” Pollard declared. “In the end, playing cricket is a team sport. In fewer than six weeks, this person will represent the nation, and everyone will be rooting for him and hoping for success. It’s about time we stopped picking faults and tried to support one of the best all-around players India has ever produced. He possesses an X-factor and is capable of fielding, bowling, and batting.”
Pollard anticipated that Hardik will improve and quickly return to his peak batting. “You have to grow as a person,” Pollard stated. “You experience a youthful vigour while you are young. You act in a specific way when you go out and accomplish stuff. Accountability and duty begin to set in as one ages.
“It appears like the man is changing. As individuals, we have specific expectations, but occasionally the game does not meet those expectations, so as you progress, [you] will undoubtedly make mistakes—we’ve all done it. The person has worked hard, and perseverance is rewarded. Thus, when the time comes, we will all be shouting his praises.”
