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“I’ll sit back and watch everyone sing his praises”: MI batting coach Kieron Pollard backs under fire Pandya
MS Dhoni’s 20-run cameo made a stark difference in CSK’s 20-run victory over Mumbai Indians on Sunday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Hardik Pandya, who decided to bowl the last over of the innings when MS Dhoni was on strike, got smacked for three beautiful sixes as Dhoni propelled the side to 4-206. Interestingly, those (20) runs proved to be superbly crucial for CSK’s resounding victory.
MI batter Rohit Sharma’s 105-run knock unbeaten remained in vain as MI could rack up 186/6 in (20) overs. Hardik Pandya has been garnering the ire of MI supporters since replacing Rohit Sharma as the skipper ahead of the IPL 2024 and this defeat added fuel to the fire. Replying to the query about criticism against Pandya, MI batting coach Kieron Pollard defended under fire Pandya.
"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 continue his skills and to ply his trade,” Pollard said during the press conference.
"To be honest, I am sick and fed up of [we] 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 all are going to cheer him and want him to do well. So, I think it’s about 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," he said.
"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," stated Pollard.
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