IPL 2024: "I'm sick and fed up…" Kieron Pollard breaks his silence on Hardik Pandya saga

Hardik Pandya gave 26 runs in final over of CSK innings, with MS Dhoni hitting him for 20 runs including 3 sixes.

Former Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder and now batting coach Kieron Pollard has defended captain Hardik Pandya after he was slammed for bowling the final over of the recent IPL 2024 match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday in Mumbai.

Hardik Pandya conceded 26 runs in MI’s 20th over against CSK, due to a stunning cameo from MS Dhoni. With four balls remaining, the CSK wicket-keeper came in to bat. MS Dhoni seized on the over, hitting three sixes and a double in four deliveries.

With MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 20 off four, CSK put up a massive total of 206-4 against MI at Wankhede Stadium. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah had given only 7 runs in the previous 19th over, limiting CSK at 180-3 with one over to go.  

“I don’t know if it will affect his confidence”- Kieron Pollard On Hardik Pandya’s poor bowling

MI batting coach Kieron Pollard has defended Hardik Pandya over his expensive final over in the MI vs CSK match of IPL 2024. He also added that he was fed up of constant scrutiny the MI skipper and team had to face.

“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.

I am sick and fed up of [us] looking to pinpoint individuals; cricket is a team game at the end of the day. This is an individual who is going to represent the country in less than six weeks, and all are going to cheer him and want him to do well. So, it’s 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 a X-factor about him,” Pollard said in the post-match presser.  

Pollard also said everyone “will be singing his praises when the time comes.”

“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 added.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket for IPL 2024 Live Score & IPL Points Table,  on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.