Kieron Pollard backs Hardik Pandya amid backlash from Rohit Sharma fans with 'legacy' statement

Mumbai Indians (MI) batting coach Kieron Pollard opened up his excitement to work with Hardik Pandya in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He pointed the all-rounder has been part of the franchise for a while and everyone will support him in his new role.

The deadly duo of Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard will be back again for the Mumbai Indians. But it will be a different role for both of them this time around in the league. While Pollard will be the batting coach of the team, the all-rounder will be captaining the team.

After the IPL 2021, the duo of Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya was separated with the Indian all-rounder moving to Gujarat Tiants. Pollard on the other hand last season was appointed as the batting coach of the team and he did a great job in his new role for the team.

Hardik Pandya, after captaining Gujarat Titans for two seasons, was back at the Mumbai Indians in what was the biggest trade of the Indian Premier League. Not only he was brought back by the franchise but he also was given the leadership of the team going into the IPL 2024.

The move didn’t go well with fans as they lashed out at the franchise for removing Rohit Sharma as the captain of the team. The senior India opener guided the team to five IPL titles and the way he was removed triggered fans, who even criticized Hardik Pandya for his selfish nature.

However, the upcoming IPL 2024 will be a great opportunity to silence all the critics and take the team to the title win. The all-rounder would be eager to take the team to the win and help them register their 6th Trophy win.

Batting coach Kieron Pollard is excited about the IPL 2024 and expressed his delight to see Hardik Pandya back in the Mumbai Indians colors. Speaking in a video posted by the franchise, he stated:

“I’m very excited to see how the 2024 season holds for us. It’s a new season. We have a couple of new guys in the batting line-up as well. Obviously, it’s nice to have him (Pandya) back. He has been a part of Mumbai Indians over the past five-six years.”

He has done fantastic things for Mumbai – Kieron Pollard on Hardik Pandya

Kieron Pollard further highlighted the contributions of Hardik Pandya for Mumbai Indians and said that he is excited to see an all-rounder in the new role. The Mumbai Indians batting coach added that Hardik can take the legacy forward. He added:

“He has done fantastic things for Mumbai. Looking forward to seeing him in a new role. And everyone is here to give him (Pandya) support. He has the legacy of taking it on as well.”

Mumbai Indians will be opening their campaign in the IPL 2024 against Gujarat Giants on 24th March. They reached the Qualifier in the last season of the IPL and would be keen to go two steps ahead this time and win another title.