With Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya at the helm, this IPL season has been markedly challenging. Pandya’s first outing as captain of the storied franchise has mostly been characterized by the taste of defeat, a disgruntled fanbase quick to air their grievances, and on-field performances falling short of expectations. The Mumbai Indians, a team usually synonymous with success and vigor, find themselves with only two wins in their first six matches.
In the wake of vocal discontent from supporters and a recent 20-run loss, Mumbai’s batting coach Kieron Pollard has come to Pandya’s defense. Expressed with apparent frustration, Pollard articulated his stance on the undue criticism targeting the MI skipper saying, “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 witnessing an individual who is working ardently to hone his skills and practice his trade.”
Pollard’s vexation regarding the criticism was palpable when he added, “I am sick and tired of [us] looking to pinpoint individuals; cricket is a team sport at the end of the day.” The former skier of the team emphasized the idea of constructive support, hinting towards a need for a shift in the fan base’s attitude. “This is an individual that is going to represent the country in less than six weeks’ time, and everyone is going to cheer him and want him to do well. So it’s high time we encourage and stop nitpicking.”
Even more, he envisioned a positive turn where Hardik’s contributions would eventually win back the hearts of the fans. “He can bat, bowl and field, and has an X-factor about him. Deep within my heart, I hope that when he comes out on top, I’ll just sit back and watch everyone sing his praises,” Pollard said.
The Mumbai-based team, often referred to as slow starters, ratified that label by losing their first three games. Then, a short-lived resurgence saw them notch victories against Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, any momentum gained was abruptly halted by the Chennai Super Kings in what fans affectionately term the ‘El Clasico’ of the IPL, where MI succumbed to a 20-run defeat.
Hardik particularly faced scrutiny for his final over against legendary cricketer MS Dhoni. Noted commentator and former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar described Hardik’s performance and leadership as ‘absolutely ordinary’. The Hall of Famer was critical of Hardik’s bowling choices, vocalizing his disapproval during a mid-innings break, “One six is fine. The next one again a length ball when you know that the batter is looking for a length ball to hit. The third ball again, a full toss on the leg side and he’s looking for it and hits it for a six.”
Gavaskar’s analysis pointed out the flaws which he believed allowed CSK to post a daunting 206-run target – a score that proved too lofty for Mumbai Indians, as the visitors showcased their prowess with the ball to secure victory.
The echoes of this defeat, like the ones before it, resonate with the concerns and frustrations of fans, analysts, and players alike. The team, ingrained with a winning culture and an enviable legacy, faces the herculean task of overcoming a rough start, rallying behind its captain, and rekindling the chemistry and dynamism that have made them one of the most celebrated teams in the history of the IPL. As Hardik Pandya navigates the troughs of leadership and form, the encouragement of mentors like Pollard could be the catalyst in transforming the pressure into a defining chapter of his captaincy and the team’s resurgence.
