Mumbai Indians batting coach says team review will be collective, not focused on individuals

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Kieron Pollard has defended Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya following another disappointing IPL campaign, insisting the franchise will take collective responsibility rather than blaming individuals.

After a poor season that saw Mumbai Indians fail to challenge for the title once again, Pollard admitted the team had not performed consistently enough throughout the tournament.

“Overall, it has been disappointing for all of us as Mumbai Indians,” Pollard said after the team’s final match. “We weren’t able to string together wins and use momentum when we had it.”

Despite growing scrutiny around Hardik’s leadership and the team’s performances, Pollard stressed that emotions should not drive immediate decisions. He said management would conduct a detailed review only after everyone had time to reflect calmly on the season.

“Right now is not the time for emotional decisions,” Pollard explained. “Everyone needs time and space to sit down, recollect and assess where things went wrong.”

Mumbai Indians, five-time IPL champions, have now gone several seasons without lifting the trophy, increasing pressure on both management and players. Pollard acknowledged the franchise must think deeply about what changes are needed moving forward.

Backing Hardik’s captaincy, Pollard said the all-rounder had received full support from the franchise and had tried everything possible to turn results around.

“From a leadership perspective, Hardik would have wanted things to go better,” Pollard said. “But no one is going to sit here and point fingers. When you lose, it’s collective.”

Another major talking point this season was the form and fitness of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who endured one of the leanest wicket-taking campaigns of his IPL career. Bumrah finished the season with only four wickets, although he maintained a strong economy rate.

Pollard revealed Bumrah had been dealing with fitness concerns since returning from the T20 World Cup and that the franchise had carefully managed his workload throughout the tournament.

The fast bowler was eventually rested for Mumbai’s final game of the season, a move Pollard defended strongly.

“He’s a prized possession for Indian cricket,” Pollard said. “Sometimes you have to take the smarter option.”

Pollard added that with Mumbai already eliminated from playoff contention, the team preferred to give opportunities to younger bowlers rather than risk Bumrah unnecessarily.