Mumbai Indians coach Kieron Pollard said he is “sick and tired” of the criticisms aimed towards franchise’s skipper Hardik Pandya.
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Pollard “sick and tired”
The Indians suffered another defeat at the hands of the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, thanks to MS Dhoni’s late run and Matheesha Pathirana’s clinical bowling.
It also didn’t help that Pandya’s captaincy during the game drew criticism from fans and experts alike.
Pollard defended the 30-year-old from his detractors, saying he continues to work “bloody hard” to improve every game.
“I don’t know if it will affect his confidence. He is a confident guy; he has been great around the group,” Pollard said after the match.
“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.”
The former Trinidadian cricketer also said he is “sick and tired” of seeing people heckle out of Pundya.
Pundya is set to represent the Indian national team in the T20 World Cup 2024 in six weeks.
“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,” the coach 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.”
