IPL-17 | ‘Sick & fed up’ of people pinpointing individuals for team’s losses, says Kieron Pollard

Mumbai Indians coach Pollard defends struggling Pandya, urges fans to support rather than criticize individual players.

Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard is "sick and fed up" of people pinpointing particular individuals for the team's losses as he urged fans not to "nitpick" struggling captain Hardik Pandya after Mumbai Indians lost to Chennai Super Kings by 20 runs in their Indian Premier League match in Mumbai.

Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni took 20 runs off Pandya’s final four balls with the help of three consecutive sixes as the MI skipper struggled for right line and length while also bowling two wides in the over at a crucial time.

Pandya finished with figures of 2 for 43 from his three overs and also had a tough time with the bat, managing a mere two runs off six balls at a crucial juncture of the game.

“You're going to have those days. I'm sick and fed up of just looking to pinpoint at individuals. Cricket is a team sport at the end of the day," Pollard said at the post-match press conference Sunday night.

“He (Pandya) is a confident guy. He has been great around the group. In cricket, you have good days and you have bad days. I'm seeing an individual who's working bloody hard to continue his skill and to ply his trade.” Pollard reminded fans about the possibility of Pandya being picked for India’s T20 World Cup campaign, saying if that happens everyone would be ‘singing his praises’.

"This is an individual that's going to represent the country in less than six weeks’ time. We're all going to be cheering for him and want him to do well," said the West Indian who himself is a MI legend.

"It's about high time that we try to encourage and try to stop nitpick. See if we can get the best out of one of the great all-rounders India could ever produce.