Kieron Pollard's Confidence in Rohit Sharma's Form Pays Off as Mumbai Indians Find Their Groove in IPL 2025
Mumbai Indians (MI) batting coach Kieron Pollard couldn’t be more thrilled that his belief in Rohit Sharma’s ability to turn things around has proven spot on. After a slow start to the IPL 2025 season, Rohit has finally hit his stride, with back-to-back innings of 70 runs that came in crucial wins for MI. But, it wasn’t always this rosy for the star player who has been an integral part of MI’s leadership.
The season started off on a bit of a rough patch for the former MI captain. Rohit struggled, managing a mere 82 runs in his first six innings, with an injury also sidelining him for one match. It was during this challenging phase that Pollard was put under the spotlight and questioned about the form of MI’s most seasoned player. However, Pollard, known for his calm demeanor, reassured everyone that Rohit was not to be judged by just a few bad outings. In fact, he predicted that the MI captain would soon be back to his best form, and true to his word, Rohit has bounced back in spectacular fashion.
Reflecting on the turning point, Pollard shared, "If my memory serves me right, at the start of this competition, that question was different. I said sitting right here, we are also going to be singing his praises as an individual." Pollard further emphasized that the MI team always believed in Rohit's potential, even during his difficult start to the season. “For us, we always had that belief that he is going to come good," Pollard added with pride.
Belief, Support, and Patience: The Hallmarks of Mumbai Indians
Pollard’s perspective is grounded in experience. “There are dips. There is low confidence. But for someone who has played this sport for a long time, you have these moments. Sometimes you just need that extra support from people,” he said, explaining how the journey of a cricketer isn’t always linear. And now, as Rohit finds his rhythm again, Pollard couldn’t be happier. “Now we are singing his praises. We are all very happy in the Mumbai dressing room. We were happy at the start as well, knowing that it is going to happen, and long may it continue,” Pollard said, reflecting on the team's unwavering faith.
Despite all the focus on individual performances, Pollard was quick to point out that the MI batting unit is not obsessed with individual brilliance. "The headlines are going to be about that, but for us, in our entire batting unit, we look for guys to perform at different junctures in a tournament. We are not going to individualize it," Pollard explained, highlighting the importance of team dynamics over personal accolades.
Mumbai Indians’ Turnaround: A Lesson in Patience and Momentum
The first few games of IPL 2025 were a struggle for Mumbai Indians, as they lost four out of their first five matches. However, the team has since bounced back with a four-match winning streak. This rollercoaster start is not entirely unfamiliar for MI, as they have a history of slow starts before finding their rhythm. Pollard believes it’s a matter of some teams finding their groove faster than others, while some take a little more time.
"There is no 'more important' part in IPL," Pollard asserted, when asked whether the second half of the season carries more significance. He went on to explain that the momentum gained in the latter half of the season can sometimes make it seem more critical, but each match holds equal value. “You have 14 games in a tournament. Each and every game is important. Some teams gel faster than some, or they start off pretty quickly. Some teams build the momentum and come into the back end,” Pollard said, emphasizing the unpredictability of the tournament.
As MI begins to find their stride, Pollard pointed out that the most crucial objective is to qualify for the playoffs. “The most important thing is trying to qualify for the playoffs and get into the final and see if you can win. That is important,” he stressed, reminding everyone that consistency throughout the season is what truly matters in the long run.
Hardik Pandya: The Resilient Leader Who’s Been Through It All
Kieron Pollard didn’t stop at praising just Rohit Sharma. He also took the time to highlight the exceptional leadership of Hardik Pandya, MI’s captain for IPL 2025. After a difficult season last year, where he faced significant challenges in terms of form and off-field pressures, Hardik has been in brilliant touch this season. Pollard acknowledged how Hardik has battled personal and professional challenges and come out stronger, both as a cricketer and as a leader.
“It is great to see a human being that has been challenged in different facets of not only cricket but of life come out and continue to show what cricket and what winning means to him as a human being,” Pollard said with admiration. Hardik, who was welcomed by loud boos during his initial days as MI captain, has managed to turn things around this season with solid performances both with bat and ball.
So far in IPL 2025, Hardik has been in sensational form. With a batting strike rate of 170.49, he has consistently lit up the scoreboards. But it’s not just his batting that has impressed Pollard. Hardik has also picked up 12 wickets in nine matches, with a respectable economy rate of 9.08. Pollard described Hardik’s performance as a testament to his resilience and character.
Reflecting on Hardik’s journey, Pollard added, “I know he is enjoying cricket as we have all seen from international cricket, winning World Cups, to Champions Trophy. It is an individual that has gone through a lot.” For Pollard, seeing Hardik succeed after all the struggles has been particularly heartening. "For me, I am happy to see where he is at right now," Pollard said, acknowledging the growth Hardik has experienced both on and off the field.
The Journey of Life and Cricket: Hardik’s Resilience
Pollard’s sentiments on Hardik were not just limited to cricket. He acknowledged the human side of the game, where everyone faces ups and downs. "Who says he won’t have another down? And who says he is not going to have another up as well? So that is what life is about and that is what the journey is about," he philosophically said. The ups and downs, the challenges and victories—Pollard understands that this is all part of the journey, not just for cricketers, but for everyone.
In the end, Pollard’s message was one of understanding and support, not only for Hardik but for the entire team. While cricket is a game of stats and numbers, it’s the human story behind each player that truly matters. And for Pollard, seeing players like Rohit and Hardik fight through their challenges and shine on the field is what makes cricket such a beautiful sport.
As MI continues their campaign in IPL 2025, there’s no doubt that Pollard’s belief in his players, his unwavering support for the team, and his faith in their collective strength will be key to their success in the tournament. After all, for Mumbai Indians, it’s not just about individual brilliance—it’s about the team, the journey, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
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