IPL 2024: 'I am fed up...,' MI batting coach Kieron Pollard on Hardik Pandya's performance in loss vs CSK

Mumbai Indians (MI) batting coach Kieron Pollard defended skipper Hardik Pandya after their fourth loss in six games in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Chasing 208, Mumbai lost by 20 runs to Chennai Super Kings on Sunday (Apr 14) despite Rohit Sharma's unbeaten 105.

Hardik, notably, had given 26 runs in the CSK innings' last over including 20 runs off last four balls to CSK's MS Dhoni which eventually proved to be the difference. While batting, Pandya could score just 2 off 6 before getting out.

Also Watch:‘Mayhem Singh Dhoni in full flow’: Fans go wild as Dhoni hits hattrick of sixes to take CSK past 200

Speaking after the match, Pollard said: "I am 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 allrounders India has produced. He can bat, bowl and field, and has a 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 added.

Hardikreplaced Rohit ahead of the season as the skipper and has facedcriticism since then for his form and tactics.

However, during the match against CSK, it was just poor batting and bowling by him which played a key role in MI's defeat. While bowling, Pandya did take two wickets but gave away 43 runs in three overs.As a batter, the skipper couldn't do much either as he spent just eight minute in the middle scoring only 2 runs.

With four losses and two wins, MI are currently at eighth place on the 10-team points table, ahead of Delhi Capitals (ninth) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.