Mumbai Indians coach Kieron Pollard came in defence of the franchise’s skipper Hardik Pandya in the post-match press conference after MI suffered yet another defeat this season as Chennai Super Kings. CSK posted over 200 runs before Matheesha Pathirana’s clinical bowling helped them secure a 20-run win on Sunday. Hardik, who returned to bowling in the match, gave away 43 runs in 3 overs while scoring just 2 runs of 6 balls with the bat as well. His captaincy in the game also came under the scanner.

In the press conference, Pollard said, “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.”

However, Pollard also admitted to being sick and tired of seeing people slamming Hardik Pandya, a player who will represent the Indian national team in the T20 World Cup 2024 soon.

“I am sick and tired, fed up of [us] 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 high time we try to encourage and stop nitpicking and see if we can get the best out of one of the great all-rounders India has produced. He can bat, bowl and field, and has an 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,” he concluded.