In the post-match press conference the coach of Mumbai Indians Kieron Pollard was once again made to defend the skipper of franchise Hardik Pandya . MI suffered yet another defeat this season as Chennai Super Kings rode on MS Dhoni's late blitz and Matheesha Pathirana's clinical bowling to secure a 20-run win on Sunday. But, Pollard continues to defence 'hard working and confident' guy, Hardik.
In the press conference, Pollard went on an epic rant, highlighting how cricket remains a team game and it isn't right to single out individual players, especially someone like Hardik who is working really hard behind the scenes to improve his game.
Pollard told media after the match, "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 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 further said.