TOP STORIES
“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.
Tags
More News

Shubman Gill matches Virat Kohli's rare feat with ton against West Indies
Indian skipper Shubman Gill lit up the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Day 2 of the second Test against West Indies, notching up his 10th Test century. The stylish batter reached the three-figure mark in 177 deliveries, putting India in a commanding position.
The latest century marked a significant chapter in Gill’s blossoming career, as he now holds the record for the most ...

"I have told this to the boys": Gautam Gambhir reflects on India's home Test series defeat against New Zealand
Gautam Gambhir's ascension to the role of India’s head coach has been marked by immediate impact in the white-ball format, leading the side to title victories in both the ICC Champions Trophy and the recently concluded Asia Cup. However, Gautam Gambhir has faced a tumultuous period in the red-ball format, as it has been far less fruitful for hi...

Pakistan gear up to host South Africa in opening Test in Lahore
Pakistan are set to host South Africa in the first Test of a two-match series, with the opening encounter scheduled to begin on Sunday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The side returns to the red-ball format for the first time since January, kicking off their campaign in the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
The last time thes...

South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba receives demerit point for Code of Conduct breach against India
South Africa’s left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba has been sanctioned by the ICC for breaching code of conduct during the match against India at the Women's World Cup on Friday. The incident took place in the 17th over of India’s innings when Mlaba dismissed Indian batter Harleen Deol and followed up the wicket with a gesture, waving goodbye to the batter. ...

"We all know how talented he is": Indian batting coach lauds Sudharsan's gritty knock
Young Indian batter Sai Sudharsan delivered a defining innings on the opening day of the second Test against West Indies on Friday at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Sudharsan rose to the occasion with a hard-fought 87-run knock off 165 balls, silencing his critics and reaffirming his place in India's Test lineup. He had entered the 2nd Test...