- Hardik Pandya gets support despite struggles in IPL 2024.
- Pandya led Gujarat Titans to victory in 2022.
- Coach Pollard defends Pandya, calls him a team player.
Pandya, who led the Gujarat Titans to victory in their inaugural season in 2022, joined Mumbai this season and was appointed as the captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma.
Rohit, who had led Mumbai to five IPL championships between 2013 and 2020, was replaced by Pandya, a decision that was met with disapproval and even boos from a significant number of fans.
Despite Rohit’s unbeaten score of 105 against the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, Mumbai suffered their fourth loss in six matches, falling to eighth place in the 10-team league.
Pandya gave up 43 runs in his three overs, including 26 in the final over of Chennai’s innings, took two wickets, and scored only two runs during their chase.
However, Pollard insists that Pandya should not bear the brunt of Mumbai’s struggles.
“I am fed up of (people) looking to pinpoint individuals. Cricket is a team sport at the end of the day,” Pollard expressed after the defeat to Chennai.
"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 it’s high time we try to … 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.
“I hope, deep down within my heart, that when he comes out on top, I’ll sit back and watch everyone sing his praises.”
With four away games on the horizon, Mumbai must return to their winning ways to keep their playoff hopes alive.
“We just need to keep our intensity high, be smart about our plans,” Pandya stated.
“If we can do that, we can get the goal we want.”
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